Training Your Dog to Stay Calm at Mealtime

Does your dog go absolutely wild at the sight of her cold-pressed dog food? While she might not realize it’s packed with gut-health goodness, she definitely knows it tastes like gourmet heaven. If every mealtime feels like a feeding frenzy, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some simple strategies to help her stay calm, making dining a more peaceful (and enjoyable) experience for both of you.

Why Dogs Get Excited About Mealtime

It’s totally natural for dogs to get excited about food. In the wild, securing a meal is a big deal, and that same instinct carries over into your home. However, turning that excitement into calm behavior is key for a safe and pleasant mealtime.

Let’s talk about how to teach your dog some good mealtime manners, using patience and smart training techniques.

The Importance of Impulse Control

Helping your dog manage her excitement around food isn’t about suppressing her natural instincts—it’s about channeling them into more acceptable behaviors. The goal isn’t strict obedience; it’s about creating a more relaxed atmosphere around mealtime. You want her to know that staying calm equals getting fed.

Why Puzzle Feeders Are a Game-Changer

One of the easiest ways to slow down your dog’s eating and keep her mentally stimulated is by using a puzzle feeder. Not only do these clever feeders encourage slower eating, but they also turn mealtime into a fun problem-solving activity for your dog.

Here’s how to introduce a puzzle feeder:

1. Get Her Curious: Before adding food, let your dog explore the puzzle feeder on her own to spark curiosity.
2. First Feeding: Once she’s interested, add a small amount of her favorite cold-pressed food to the feeder. Encourage her as she figures out how to get to the food.
3. Stick with It: Consistency is key. Use the puzzle feeder regularly at meal times, so she associates it with food and stays engaged in solving the puzzle instead of inhaling her meal.

Interactive Games to Teach Calmness at Mealtime

In addition to using a puzzle feeder, you can incorporate fun training games to help reinforce calm behavior around food:

• The Elevator Game: Hold your dog’s food bowl high and slowly lower it as long as she stays calm. If she gets too excited, the bowl goes back up. This teaches her that staying calm gets the bowl closer.
• The Bucket Game: With a bowl of treats, move it side to side while your dog watches. She only earns a treat by maintaining eye contact and staying calm—no chasing allowed. This game helps build patience and focus.

Extending Mealtime Etiquette Beyond Training

Teaching your dog to stay calm at meals doesn’t stop with puzzle feeders and training games. Regular practice is essential for long-term success. Here are some extra tips to keep things on track:

• Stick to a Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability, so feeding her at the same time each day helps create a calm and expected routine.
• Create a Calm Environment: Limit distractions during mealtime. This makes it easier for your dog to stay focused and relaxed.
• Challenge Her as She Improves: Once your dog masters the basics, gradually increase the difficulty of puzzle feeders or games to keep her engaged and learning.

Conclusion: From Mealtime Madness to Mealtime Zen

Turning chaotic mealtime into a calm, focused experience is completely doable with the right tools and techniques. Puzzle feeders, combined with interactive games like the Elevator and Bucket Games, teach your dog that mealtime is about more than just eating—it’s about thinking and behaving calmly.

Invest the time and effort, and soon your dog will be the picture of mealtime manners. Say goodbye to feeding frenzies and hello to peaceful, well-mannered dining!