SAFER® Assessment Item 5: Food Behavior

Use the Food Behavior assessment item to:

• Identify food aggression and any behaviors that could benefit from behavior modification now to prevent future problems.

(This item was initially designed by Sue Sternberg and used in her Assess-a-Pet® temperament test.)

Watch Item 5 in Action

Tips for Success

• Dog should not be fed within two hours before the SAFER assessment.
• Have the food bowl prepared before the SAFER assessment begins. There should be enough food in the bowl to allow the dog to eat for two minutes.
• Make sure to give the dog enough time to really engage in eating before trying to take the food away.
• If the dog is not eating, try a higher value food. The higher meat content in canned cat food can be a good addition for finicky eaters.
• Be sure to give the verbal warning ("Give me that bowl!") when reaching for the bowl the first time and before reaching for the bowl the second time.
• When moving toward the dog, hold the Assess-a-Hand® as you would your own hand. When backing away, put it behind you.
• If the dog does not eat, repeat the Food Behavior and Toy Behavior Items 12 to 24 hours later. Both items must be conducted at the same time.