Question
I have a 12-week-old bitch puppy which snatches food out of my hand. I
realise she is young but I want to eradicate this habit as it could lead to
hard mouth. I am teaching her to sit by gently placing a hand on her
rear, but she still snatches.
Answer
Most young dogs are voracious eaters and the survival instinct takes over.
The quicker they get food into their stomach, the quicker it is out
of reach of others. In the wild, food may not be available for some
time. I assume you are using treats toreward your puppy, so why not
use a stroke of the head and a "good girl" instead? The focus would
switch from food to you. When she eats quickly at meal times you can
gradually introduce control by making her sit and wait for her food.
If you must use treats for training then close your hand in a fist round
the food. Present this to her and only when she takes her nose away
from your hand, do you open your hand and let her take it. You are not
expecting too much by any means, but you must only reward gentle behaviour.
Never let her succeed when she is a hooligan.
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
