Your new puppy is a bundle of fun. Every morning you look forward to walking downstairs to see their wagging tail. However, it’s hard to tell whether they’re excited to see you or they’re eagerly awaiting food. Whatever the reason is, you’re just glad they’re happy. However, you want to be the one in control of their food. If you are the only they eat from, you are the one in control, setting the rules. Also, if you're training your dog to be a guard dog, this training could save their life. It’s vital they can refuse food from a stranger, in case it has been poisoned.
This sort of training will also earn you respect you can use in other ways. For example, stamping out bad habits could be far easier. You may also find teaching your dog any number of basic instructions will come easier too.
Although dogs love food, it’s surprisingly easy to train your puppy to only eat from you. The trick is getting them into a consistent routine. Because you are teaching this rule at such a young age, they will never know any different and will just expect to only eat from you. Of course, this type of training will require consistency and willpower on your part. It also means you need to be around whenever your dog needs feeding, which will be frequently if they are still a puppy.
If your pup is relatively obedient and a fast learner, you could see results in just a week or so. But if your puppy has a mischievous streak, then you may need several weeks to fully cement the new rule. Get training right and you will have taken the first step towards a fully obedient dog, who respects your position as pack leader.
Before you can start training, you just need to check you’re prepared. You will need a decent supply of food and an easily accessible food bowl. The other main thing you will need is time. Make sure you are around as much as possible, to begin with.
You will also need a clicker for one of the methods below. On top of that, some unpleasant food flavors to dogs, such as chili, will be needed. A deterrence collar and a friend will also be needed for one of the methods.
Apart from all that, just bring patience and a positive attitude, then work can begin!