Dog Problem Page - Why do Good Dogs do Bad Things

Here's where you'll find out all the answers. If you have a dog who chews the sofa, nips the postman or won't come back when you call him, tell us all about it. Good dog, bad dog is all about communication. Understanding each other is the key to a good relationship - in dogs as well as people. Email or write to us with your dog problems and we'll do our best to get your chum (or you) back on the straight and narrow.

I've had a two year part labrador from a puppy. I love him to bits but he's so greedy and bolts his food. I think he'd eat the dish as well if I'd let him. Why does he do this? I give him the right amount and always buy a good brand of complete food but he's still starving hungry afterwards. All he thinks about is food. When my friends come round he sits and drools at them even if they're just having a biscuit. Is eating like this going to make him ill and how can I make him eat normally? Nicky Taylor, Hull

It's a common mistake to think like a human when you should be thinking like a dog. From ancient times when he had to go out and kill his prey or grab a bit of left over dinosaur carcase, the dog has been genetically programmed to bolt his food down. Our dog is descended from the wolf family (canis lupus) and he's a carnivore. His digestive system is designed to enable him to swallow food whole and run away to digest it in his den later on. If he stopped to chew he might get it taken away from him by someone bigger and fiercer. So that's why he does it. Some dogs have lost this instinct and pick at dainty morself politely. If they ever went back to the wild they'd be tearing at their meat again or they wouldn't make it. Your guy is a survivor!

It won't hurt him to eat as you've described but are you sure he isn't just hungry? Most people's idea of dog food nowadays is a complete mix and a dish of water. Your dog will be thinking about the last meal on the Titanic - stewed steak, grilled venison, fricassee of chicken, roast pork with some salmon in dill sauce and broiled swordfish to follow. A bit of gruyere and camembert please. That'll do nicely. Dog food is something that was invented by humans for their own convenience (and so the pet food manufacturers could make zillions by turning animal by-products and waste into lovely money!)

If your dog has a big chunk of meat and a quiet, non-threatening dining area, he'll be less likely to bolt. He'll find the food more filling and satisfying too. Dogs also eat anything they can scavenge - vegetables, eggs, fish, your best shoes and the t.v. remote control. Natural food is best. Just as it is for us.

Don't slavishly follow the amount instructions on the packets. Every dog is different. Only by looking at him can you find out how much he needs to be healthy and satisfied. No dog should live his life out feeling hunger. Food is a preoccupation with dogs anyway. It should be a good experience for them and not a time of anxiety.

A separate dining area often solves a lot of food-grabbing problems - outside in the garden is good if the weather is fine.

Try to make meal times regular and don't make the mistake of thinking that because he's smaller than you are, he needs to eat a lot less. This is dependant on his metabolism, energy, growth, even the time of year. When it's warm he doesn't need so much food for body maintenance so he can have smaller meals. In winter he'll need to keep himself warm so he needs more food. This doesn't apply if he lives in a centrally heated house! If your dog is an energetic chap, he'll burn up the calories big style and need more food to compensate.

If he looks well covered and glossy and has plenty of energy he's getting enough food. If you can see his bones or his coat is dull, increase and change the diet. If in doubt consult with your vet.

Being able to buy meat cheaply enough to feed to the dog is a problem now we don't have many friendly local butchers. Supermarkets are not the same. Prepacked and the waste goes somewhere else. Finding a butcher is the answer. Or if you've a large enough freezer, buying meat in bulk. The cheaper cuts are what your dog needs - mutton and beef are best - the bits with gristle in that humans don't want to eat. Mince for little dogs is fine. If your dog tends to be overweight, upping the exercise is the answer - good for him and good for you.

I know I've been naughty but......

Why do good dogs do bad things?