My puppy is food aggressive with other dogs. How can I stop it?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | 6 months and 25 days old
I have been feeding Bella separately since she was 2 months old. She eats her puppy food and my older dogs eat their regular food. It seems that Bella is developing food aggression towards my other dogs. She did attack one of my older dogs. How can I stop this behavior?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 30th, 2020
Hi there. Aggressive behavior over food or other high-value resources is very common, and can even be considered normal in dogs. I would recommend managing this issue by continuing to feed the dogs in separate rooms or parts of the house, and picking up the food bowls before allowing the dogs back together again. As long as you're consistent about doing this, you should be able to avoid any issues.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 7th, 2017
You're right that food-related aggression is a normal behavior if the puppy is bothering your other dog while she eats, but it's not something that we want to continue - there is a risk that she may hurt the puppy, and she may also become increasingly aggressive and nervous about being disturbed while eating. I would recommend separating her from the puppy when you are feeding her (ideally in a separate room with the door closed, or by putting the puppy in a crate), then picking up the food bowl when she's finished to avoid any problems.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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