How should I handle this growling? Pup at meal times.

[Spotty528]

Our pup is 17 weeks old. Whilst we’re eating he goes in his pen, if he sits quietly on his bed he gets a treat. I used to give him a treat every 5 mins or so if he was continuing to sit nicely with no fuss. I’ve started reducing the amount of treats he gets and he now growls (although it sounds more like a grumble, there’s no snarling to it) sneezes and occasionally barks. We just ignore it, continue to eat and when he’s quiet we treat him. Is this the right thing to do?

[Bobstergirl]

Can you give him a longer chewing treat or kong that will last most of the meal rather than the need to interact with him by giving him regular treats during the meal.

[Spotty528]

Thankyou I’ll try that, I’ve been using the kong for when we have to go out so I’d been wanting to keep that as his extra special treat but I could fill it with something less exciting.

[Snufflesdog]

You could try other chews or
Also puzzles for his own dinner

Personally If it’s a special occasion and I need her to shut up, mine gets a chew
Otherwise she’s given her toy and told bed
Repeatedly.
Some days she’s told once and goes to play happily
Some days I’m up every 2 minutes
But it’s getting better!

[Bobstergirl]

Snuffle mats are another option or the Kong wobbler

[Spotty528]

He’s got a snuffle mat too, tbh I think whatever we gave him he’d still grumble and having to wait in his pen. We’ve just got to preserve I suppose and hope that evening he gets the message.

[Boristhecats]

I would give the dog their dinner at the same time in a kong, snuffle mat or a lickie mat. Will keep them busy for longer