The Houndsley Brothers Guide to Clean Eating for Dogs Aug. 2016 | Page 12

F E E D I N G YO U R D O G
F O R G O O D B E H AV I O U R

F

eeding your dog high quality, natural food, packed with nutritious ingredients is the first step
to improving its behaviour and happiness. The food your dog eats impacts everything from
mood and energy to toilet training. Setting a regular routine and creating positive associations
with food will help both dog and owner look forward to mealtimes.

Acclaimed dog behaviourist Nick Jones has this advice to share…
CHOOSE A CALM FEEDING LOCATION
Ideally you should feed your dog in the same location for each meal. It should be in a quiet place away from busy thoroughfares,
so your dog can feel relaxed as it eats and drinks.
ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT ROUTINE
A consistent feeding routine allows your dog to become accustomed and confident that it will be fed at a set time and location,
helping to manage its expectations and reduce begging at other times.
DISCOURAGE BEGGING
Avoid sharing food from your plate with your dog, as this will only encourage it to beg and become a nuisance. If you have
healthy leftovers (low in salt and fat), try using them in training in a more controlled manner.
TEACH GOOD MANNERS AT MEALTIMES
Encourage your dog to sit and wait at a respectable distance while you prepare its food. Then when you are ready, you can
ask him to stay briefly while you place the bowl on the floor (it may help to count to five in your head) then give a clear ‘OK’
command.