One of the most common reasons dogs don't eat without their humans is separation anxiety. This basically means that your dog depends on your presence and doesn't feel comfortable without you around. Dogs experience separation anxiety individually, and it can manifest in different ways.
Your dog wants some company
“By nature, dogs are social creatures and the company can motivate them to eat.” If you don't mind hanging out while he eats, there's no harm in being in the room during mealtime. The close bond you have with your pet can come into play at mealtime, notes Dr.
Human conditioning: Your dog might be eating out of hand because of conditioned behavior created when they were sick or acting picky, during a switch in dog food, or they came from another situation—such as a shelter, foster family, previous owner, or breeder—where hand feeding was the norm.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
Socialization. Many dogs bond hardest to whoever feeds, plays, and generally cares for them during their key socialization period, which occurs between birth and six months.
A surprising number of dogs won't eat when their owners aren't home–but rush to gobble their food as soon as their family returns. The most common reason your dog doesn't eat when you're gone is that she's stressed – and a stressed dog is a cause for concern.
Dogs can get depression, and it's most often caused by big changes, such as the loss of a significant human or an environmental change (such as a move). Depressed dogs may show symptoms such as a lack of interest in activities, loss of appetite, increased irritability, and unusually clingy or needy behavior.
Another reason can be that the dog feels the need to guard the house until you get back. So, there's no time to eat. Of course, it's possible that your dog is just not used to eating when left alone at home — or feels a little bit sad when you're gone.
A new environment, adding a new human or four-legged family member to the household, or other changes can make your dog nervous and stressed. Their appetite may decrease until they feel relaxed again. Separation anxiety and fear are other similar reasons why a dog may not eat.
For example, you can give your dog a KONG or two stuffed with his breakfast and some tasty treats every morning before going to work. Keep in mind, though, that this approach will only work for mild cases of separation anxiety because highly anxious dogs usually won't eat when their guardians aren't home.
"There are probably multiple components to a dog seemingly knowing it is time to eat - their feeling of hunger, the routine of the owner, as well as their circadian rhythm."
Your dog may only eat when hand-fed due to anxiety, boredom, picky eating habits, changes in routine or environment, aging, medical issues, training or conditioning, socialization issues, or other factors. There are a variety of reasons why your dog may only eat when hand-fed.
The 2015 study found that in 24% of all the cases they examined, dogs had begun eating their masters in under 24 hours — and some of them even chose to do so in spite of having normal dog food available. A factor may be a specific dog's nature.
Attention-seeking behavior: some dogs learn that they can get more attention from their owners if they refuse to eat. These dogs realize that owners might fuss over them, give them extra cuddles, try to hand-feed them, or offer them different (tastier!) tidbits in an effort to get their pet to eat.
Just like adolescents, dogs test their limits around the age of seven to twelve months. They try to get to the top of the 'family pack' by playing power games. They do not even stop at nutrition. By refusing food, they get the desired attention from their owner and try to decide what to eat and when.
As social animals, dogs choose the person or people who give them plenty of love, attention, and positive experiences. Let your dog be a dog and enjoy hanging out with and being in that person's presence, whether it's you or someone else. But don't give up on being one of the favorites!
A dog's number one priority at bedtime is comfort and security. So, if they're choosing to sleep in the same space as you, it's a big sign that they trust you. "Sleeping with the owner in the same room helps minimize fear, anxiety and stress," said Christman.
If your dog follows you, this indicates it sees you as the pack leader and is exhibiting the instinctive behavior of walking behind the alpha. When it comes to a multi-person household, the individual your pooch follows is the one who has been deemed the top dog. This applies when it comes to walking through doors.
The alphas always lead the pack. So if your dog lets you go through a door, then it's a sign that he is following your lead. A pack leader has the responsibility of leading and protecting the rest of the pack. Your dog will be looking for protection by letting you face anything dangerous on the other side of the door.
They cuddle with you
Because dogs have a pack mentality, they consider you as part of their close-knit pack, meaning they want to show you love and affection. If your dog is cuddling and snuggling with you, it's a sign they love you and know you love them.
#1 Vizsla. Known as the ultimate Velcro dog, this Hungarian breed is literally attached to their owner, and is happiest when right by your side. They were bred for falconry, and still have tons of energy, so this pup is best for people who enjoy active lifestyles.