If your dog has become greedy, this post will show you likely reasons why and what you can do about it.
So, why is my dog greedy suddenly? Likely reasons why your dog has become greedy are that they have learned that the behavior is rewarded, they are jealous of another pet, or that there has been a change in how they have been treated such as by getting less attention or exercise.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your dog has become greedy and it might be due to a combination of them. However, there are some things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why has my dog become greedy?
Below are likely causes and what would make each of them more likely to be the main reason.
Encouraging the behavior
It could be the case that your dog has learned that the behavior is rewarded. If people have been doing things such as giving the dog their food, your dog will likely continue being greedy so that they can get more food.
Getting fed less
It could also be the case that a change in your dog’s diet has been causing them to be hungrier. This would be more likely if your dog has started doing it since you started feeding them differently.
Injury or illness
It could also be the case that an injury or illness has been causing your dog to behave differently. This would be more likely if your dog has been showing other signs of having an injury or illness such as limping or vomiting.
Nature
Food is hard to come by in the wild, so it would have been important for dogs to take any opportunities that they got to have food. That instinct is still there in dogs today which is why dogs will often snatch food when given the chance.
Jealousy
It could also be the case that your dog is jealous of another pet or person. This would be more likely if your dog has started being greedy since you got a new pet, started giving attention to a new pet or had a baby.
A change in how they have been treated
The cause could also be a response to a change in the way that they have been being treated. This would be more likely if your dog has started doing it since getting less attention, less exercise or since being left alone for longer time periods.
Things to consider
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
What else happened when your dog first started being greedy
If your dog started being greedy suddenly, it would help to consider what else happened when your dog first started doing it. If your dog did start doing it suddenly, it could be due to things such as getting a new pet, illness, injury, a change in how they are treated or getting fed less.
The timing of when your dog is greedy
If there is a certain situation that your dog tends to be greedy, it would also help to consider the timing. For example, if your dog does it when they are eating their food, it would be likely that they are resource guarding. This could be because another pet tried to take their food recently.
How to get my dog to stop being greedy?
Below are some options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Ensure that they are getting enough food
It would help to ensure that your dog has been getting the right diet and that they have been getting the right amount of calories for their age and breed.
Feed them separately
If your dog has been being aggressive while eating, it would help to feed them separately from other pets. This is because food possessive dogs will often become aggressive.
Avoid encouraging the behavior
As mentioned above, it might be the case that your dog has learned that the behavior is rewarded. Instead, it would help to reward your dog for behaving the way you want them to and to avoid rewarding them when they do not.