Your dog wants some company “Dogs find that meals are more fun with others,” Semel tells
Dogs are social animals so they may just not have any interest in eating while alone and will eat when you come back. Some dogs are too anxious, either from separation anxiety or because they are more focused on protecting their territory to really sit and eat a meal.
Most experts agree that as long as there are no medical concerns, allowing your dog to sit while eating is not an issue. Determining the reason behind this act may be difficult. Most dogs will work out on their own what is the most comfortable option for them.
One of the most common reasons is that they associate their owners with food and see them as a source of security and comfort. In the wild, dogs are pack animals, and they instinctively look to their pack leader for reassurance and protection.
Approaching after eating
Yes, dogs are motivated by food, but if you're the first person he goes to or wants to cuddle with after his meal, it's a good sign that other than eating, you are the most important thing in his life, explains neuroscientist Gregory Berns in his book “How Dogs Love Us.”
No, they don't get “jealous” or depressed - but dogs are opportunists, and if they haven't been specifically trained to be “elsewhere” while you're eating, or if you eat on the sofa, watching TV, with him laying nearby, of course he's going to look at you longingly - maybe even drool a little… hoping for a taste.
"This appears to be an urge to take their food to a quieter or more secure area to eat in peace," Wilson told The Dodo. "One of my dogs, PJ, would not take a mouthful away but would pick up her entire bowl to move to a quieter dining spot if she felt stressed."
However, many dog owners give in to the adorable puppy eyes and some even find the begging cute. Unfortunately, though sneaking a snack under the table from time to time might seem harmless, giving in to your dog's gaze can carry a myriad of negatives in itself and cause other bad behavior.
As your dog squats, do you notice that she stares at you while doing her business? You'd think she'd look away in hopes of getting a little privacy, but she locks eyes with you instead. That's because when your dog is in that pooping position, she's vulnerable, and she's looking to you to protect her.
It's not wrong to eat anything in front of your dog and dogs do not understand that it's bad for them. Your pup is begging and needs to learn some manners. Eating first is the pack leader's right. Dogs eat all sorts of things that they're not supposed to.
Try not to let your pooch rapidly wolf down his/her food! Do not let the dog play or exercise (e.g. go for a walk) for at least two hours after having a meal. Ensure continuous fresh water is available to avoid your pet gulping down a large amount after eating.
Some important things to remember about how and when to pet a dog: Don't touch a dog who is sleeping or eating, or chewing a toy. Stay away from a dog who is barking or growling, as well as one who is running loose without a guardian, behind a fence, in a vehicle, or tied up.
Most healthy, adult dogs will readily go to the bathroom an hour or so after a meal. They can, however, hold their stool much longer if necessary. In fact, for the most part, a healthy adult dog can hold their stool for 12 hours or more.
One reason your pup may not be willing to eat without you is that he's used to you being there during meal time. Dogs are social animals, and he may see eating as a social event where you share your time and bond. This happens in the wild, too, when dogs learn to eat with their pack.
While some dogs are completely fine playing by themselves, others prefer to play with other dogs. If your pup appears to be bored or even depressed, adding a new dog to the family could help brighten their spirits. Some dogs find comfort in other pups and some dogs just need a playtime buddy.
If your dog follows you around it means they love your company, and you could also have a stage five clinger on your hands. ;) Likewise, leaning on you, wanting to sleep in your bed or in the same room as you, or snuggling with you are all good indicators of your dog's affection for you.
They listen to the tone of our voice. They combine all of these observations to determine our meaning. "Some people think how we say something can be more important than what we say." If you smile and excitedly say “Let's go for a walk!”, your dog will likely wag his tail and prance around enthusiastically.
Most animals are at their most vulnerable when they're relieving themselves. Your dog knows this – and they worry about you when you pee. If you've had your pooch for a while, they've probably deduced what you do in the bathroom.
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, it's likely a result of their animal instinct and pack mentality. Canines who do this are referred to as “Velcro dogs,” due to their desire to be attached to your side. They may follow you around, even to the bathroom, to protect a part of their pack.
Like humans, dogs love to eat! Some dogs will have a tendency to overeat or not eat enough. But for the most part, dogs will stop eating when they are full. Some dogs may eat until they are stuffed, but they will usually stop eating before they become full to the point of being sick.
They're begging for food
Dogs will often want to share food with their owners. Whether you're sitting at the table having dinner or snacking in front of the TV, if you feel your canine companion staring you down, it's probably because they want a bite of what you're having.
Dogs are pack animals. When you have a dog as a pet, he is part of your pack. Within the pack, when dogs are doing something that leaves them vulnerable like eating or pooping they rely on the rest of the pack to keep a lookout. That's why your dog wants you around when he's eating.
Some dogs developed this trait when they were puppies, and competition for food involved a lot of shoulder to shoulder jostling with their brothers and sisters. By taking the food out of the bowl, it secures a piece just for them, and even when they no longer have this competition, it's become a habit for them.
Even though domesticated dogs usually get enough food, they still have their instinctual urges and self-preservation behavior. If your canine isn't hungry, he might run off with his meal in an attempt to hide it somewhere safe for later.
Look at your pup's body language for cues
If your pup runs to their dish, takes a sniff of their food and begins eating right away, chances are they like it! If your pup takes a sniff and turns away, that is probably a good sign that they aren't particularly interested in that dish.