Why it’s Important for Dogs to Follow Commands Before Eating

Domestication means that dogs don’t have to hunt for food, but they still have to work for food.

In the dog world, waiting is a part of who they are.  Dogs have to wait to eat; they don’t just get a free meal.  When they’re little, puppies work for food by waiting for their mom.  This is a form of psychological exercise, and it’s very important for a healthy state of mind.  Waiting for your dog to show calm-submissive energy before they get fed is much like their mom or the pack leader would do.  Any signs of negative behavior such as aggression or nervousness will mean no meal until a calm-submissive behavior.  Feeding a dog in a negative state only reinforces that state of mind.

A good routine to get into is as follows:
Morning and evening, project calm-assertive energy before you give your dog affection.  Then walk your dog to exercise their body and allow them to explore the world.  When you get home, prepare their food.  While you fill the bowl, ask your dog to sit or down and wait.  If they sit quietly and project calm-submissive energy with no negative behaviors, place the bowl of food in front of them and tell them it’s OK to eat.

From the dog’s perspective this is how nature intended them to live.