As your puppy grows, so will his need to assert himself. Puppies often choose mealtimes as a battle ground. But giving in to him is a mistake. You need to make sure he knows that you won't respond to his every demand. You'll also need to get him to accept you and the rest of the family getting on with life around him. For example, puppies can become very territorial and possessive over their food bowl and will make a fuss if approached while eating. This behaviour can become quite difficult and anti-social, so you must put a stop to it. It's not too difficult to achieve, it just takes patience. Follow the steps below and your pup should develop perfect table manners.
Put a small amount of, food in your puppy's bowl and move away. When he finishes it, return to the bowl and put in a little more. This will help him to eagerly anticipate your approach.
You'll know he's happy when his tail starts wagging as you get nearer, but now you'll need to get him used to you approaching while he is eating.
Now you're ready to put his whole meal down all at once. Stand, or sit near him and add a special treat to his bowl as he eats. Speak to him softly and stroke him as you drop the reward into his bowl. Repeat this once every few meals until your puppy is totally at ease.
Your puppy needs to learn that people around him, particularly small children, can be unpredictable. But he needs to accept that this behavior is not threatening. You can help him do this by imitating a child's behavior: try stepping quickly towards his bowl - then drop in a treat. Gently bump into him, while he's eating, or roll toys nearby - anything to cause a distraction, but drop a treat in the bowl to reward him for continuing to eat calmly. Do this every so often, but not at every meal. If your puppy freezes mid mouthful, growls or glares at you, stop and try again another time. If this continues, it's best to seek advice from an animal trainer. Click here for more information on Training.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up, specially designed for small & mini dogs
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Delicious braised beef paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Supports controlled bone & joint growth. Promotes healthy brain, eye, muscle & immune system development
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
If your dog ate marijuana, don't panic. Learn how weed and THC can affect dogs, what the signs are, and when you should be concerned.
Learn more about how dogs for seniors are loyal companions. They are pack animals who want nothing more than some attention, activity, and love.
Learn about common types of lumps & bumps you might notice on your dog, tips for monitoring them over time and when they might become a health concern.
Learn how to simply and inexpensively build a DIY dog ramp to help your dog get up & down more easily (great for senior dogs & those with mobility issues).
As your dog ages, arthritis and joint pain can become more common. Learn what causes these issues, signs to look out for, and treatments options.
Learn if dogs have dominant paws like humans have dominant hands, and discover how you can determine if your dog has a paw preference.
Curious to know how smart your dog is? Learn about the different types of dog intelligence and see how trainable he is with an IQ test.
Learn common reasons why dogs like to jump on you, interesting facts about breeds that jump the most & highest, and how to stop their jumping behavior.
Learn the types of gastroenteritis in dogs, the various ways symptoms that can show up, treatment options and when it's serious enough for a vet visit.
Are you worried you may have a bored dog? Learn about five common signs of boredom in dogs and games you can play to help beat the bored blues.
It may look like your dog is grinning, but can dogs smile for real? Learn about their facial expressions & whether their face can actually show happiness.
Learn important information about lyme disease in dogs, including symptoms, testing procedures, treatment options and how to prevent this disease.
Learn what kidney disease is in dogs and what can cause it. Learn the signs of kidney disease in canines as well as potential treatment options.
Having trouble with your dog's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your dog with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Learn about dog eye boogers, goop, gunk & crustiness: when it's normal vs. when it could be a health concern and which breeds & sizes are most susceptible.
If you notice your dog's nose is dry, discover some different causes and corresponding treatments to help keep his nose healthy.
Ear mites in dogs can cause your pup irritation & pain. If you think his ear scratching might mean he has mites, learn what to do for treatment.
Gather the following puppy supplies to prepare your family for all the fun (and commitment) that comes with being a dog parent.
An enlarged spleen in dogs can be potentially life-threatening, but the condition is treatable. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Thinking about hosting a dog birthday party? Read on to discover how to celebrate your dog's birthday with festivities that'll be the talk of the dog park.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool