My dog is food aggressive with new kitten. Separate or socialize?

Question

Missy is very defensive over her food and will growl anyone who comes to close her or her food while she is eating. Our family recently adopted a new kitten who is equally aggressive over her food. Their food bowls are in separate areas and we have been keeping them separated while they eat. However, Ili (the kitten) often goes into Missy's food bowl and eats any little scraps Missy leaves even after she has eaten her own food. Should I continue keeping them apart or try socializing them more? Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Female | spayed | 9 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there. Resource guarding behavior, such as growling at other pets who approach their food bowl, is a very normal behavior in dogs. Some cats may show this behavior as well, especially if they have come from a background where food was scarce. If this is the only time there are any aggression issues between the animals, it's best to just make sure that everyone is fed in a separate area so that they can eat in peace. Then pick the empty bowls up and put them away to avoid any problems.

My dog is food aggressive with new kitten. Separate or socialize?

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