Why does my dog scoot her nose at food and then refuse to eat?

Question

My 1 yo Doberman Shepherd has on & off, for a few months, been scooting her nose around & at her food. I know this is behavior that can become obsessive. My goal for question is to understand why it may be happening or what is happening. It is not a "dirty" bowl, "dry" food, or that we recently (3 weeks ago) elevated her dish (which is a positive food need!). Every time I tell her stop she walks away from her food and won't eat for a few hours. So now I've began standing Over her; it's kinda wor. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 80 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

She is training you. Do not allow her to do that. Speaking to her at all or standing there while she is eating is giving her positive feedback for a negative behavior. The tendency to hide food and belongings relates to natural instincts of attempting to buy food to "save" for later. First, slightly reduce the amount of food you give your dog. Try to determine the exact amount that satisfies her hunger. Feeding more frequent, smaller meals would be best if possible. Ignore the behavior when your dog is doing it (again, you are giving positive feedback). Any attention to the food dish or her behavior is encouraging her to seek your attention. Put the food down for 10 minutes and then walk out of the room (not saying anything or looking at her). If after 10 minutes she doesn't eat, pick up the food and repeat this again at a later time. Eventually she should learn to eat when the bowl is placed down.

Why does my dog scoot her nose at food and then refuse to eat?

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