Feeding provides your dog with nutrition and gives you the opportunity to shape your dogs behavior.
Don't Miss Out on the Ritual of Feeding
When puppies are little, they wait to be fed by their mother. This waiting is a form of work psychological work, and it builds a healthy state of mind. Day after day, this ritual plays out among the pack.
I take my dogs for a walk before I feed them. This form of waiting provides my dogs with psychological work and builds a healthy mind. The walk also promotes a healthy body and allows my dogs to experience the world.
Don't Reinforce Negative Behaviors When Feeding
Dogs don't get fed when their mind is excited, nervousness, tense or aggressive. They get fed when their mind is calm and submissive, which is what their animal pack leader would require.
Make sure your dog has reached a calm and submissive state before you place the food bowl in front of him. If you feed him when he displays any negative behaviors, such as nerves or excitement, you will reinforce these behaviors and guarantee that they will reoccur.
Food carries a powerful message in the dog world. Understanding its meaning and consequences will allow you to connect with your dog and help him to lead a happy, balanced life.
Next month: Behavior Rehabilitation
Get more tips from Cesar.
Note: Cesar Millan is a professional. Please consult a qualified trainer before attempting these techniques with your dog.
For more information, visit Cesar Millans Dog Psychology Center where the express purpose is to rehabilitate and maintain a dogs natural state of being.