Puppy Meal Time Rules

A good deal of the training that you will do along with your pup centres on giving reward - a treat or tidbit - consequently it is largely centred on food. It follows that the meals themselves should be controlled and calm interactions that set the meal time rules. Don't overlook the puppy obedience training basics, you are the dominant pack leader and you eat first and choose when the rest of the group eats.

The four meal time rules:

Rule 1.

Don't give food to your pup between meals. All your household and any visitors to your family have got to abide by this rule so make sure they understand and don't sneak treats to the puppy. You are the leader and the only source of food and your dog needs to recognize this.Food is a very powerful reinforcer of dominance.

Rule 2.

Don't have set times when you give food to your dog. If your pet does not know at what time his meal is coming he will not anticipate it, and so will not start to demand food at a particular time each day. This will also re-enforce the notion that you are the boss and you decide when the pack eats. Make sure that he understands that you eat first - even when it's just a mug of coffee and a biscuit! To begin, allow him to observe you eating before feeding him, although as he gets older this will not be necessary most of the time. Don't feed him immediately before you sit down to eat - it will seem to him that he is eating before you and your family and demean your influence, and make him feel that he has a high position in the pack.

Rule 3.

Never put up with any jumping about or barking at meal times. It ought to be a calm and subdued event. If the puppy is emotional and excited then wait before you feed him, just take no notice of him and get on with doing something else. When he is calm, give the meal then walk away - making the statement that you, the person in charge, have decided he can at this time eat his meal.

Rule 4.

Don't let your pet to walk away from his food or get distracted at meal times. He should understand that he has no say over meals. If he does get distracted and goes to play instead of eating, then remove the food and don't provide anything until the next appropriate meal. This may perhaps seem rather cruel and tough, however he has to realize that a meal is clearly that, and he doesn't have any choice in when he eats. He will learn this lesson extremely fast indeed!

These Meal Time Rules demonstrate that you are the leader of the pack.

Keep in mind that food and your domination over it are very strong tools in demonstrating to your pet that you are the person in charge of the pack and are in control of every part of his existence. This isn't cruel, you are putting your dog at ease by showing his position - just as in the wild - and he will feel relaxed, aware that you are in control and making all the decisions. The only thing he has to do is be good and enjoy himself!