Feed & Leave
Calmness • Confidence • Trust • Regulation
Description
This game builds trust and safety around valued items such as food, toys, or resting spaces. It teaches your dog that your approach always predicts good things — never loss or pressure. Over time, this reduces anxiety and prevents guarding behaviours by showing your dog they can relax in your presence.
How to Play
Begin when your dog is relaxed and engaged with a safe, low-value item — something they enjoy but don’t feel defensive over.
Calmly approach, drop a small piece of food nearby (not on their item), and then walk away without hesitation.
Repeat several times, always keeping your movements slow and predictable. If your dog pauses or looks concerned, increase the distance before trying again.
As your dog begins to anticipate your presence positively, you can move a little closer or use slightly higher-value treats — but never take the resource away.
Play this game regularly in everyday contexts. It builds a pattern: when you appear, good things happen, and I keep what matters to me.
Why it Matters
Dogs who guard are communicating fear of loss or conflict. Feed & Leave transforms those moments into trust-building opportunities. It helps your dog feel safe, showing them that your approach doesn’t signal threat but predictability and kindness. Over time, this trust generalises to other situations where guarding might occur.
Tips for Success
Use low-value, easy-to-eat food at first to avoid excitement.
Keep sessions short — quality over quantity.
Never reach towards or remove the item.
Practise even when guarding isn’t present to maintain trust.