Part Four of why your ‘stubbon’ non-foodie dog won’t take treats.
If you have a dog with any kind of anxiety then this is one for you.

① The environment

② The food you are offering

③ The value of food

④ Emotional state

Part 4 Your dog’s emotional state
 
If your dog is over aroused or fearful or anxious they won’t take food.

Arousal level is the degree of activation of the brain – basically how excitable your dog is. Too excited and he may not take food.

If Bruce is focused on his ball, waiting me to throw it there is no way he would eat any kind of food I offered him. If he was barking at a squirrel sat right outside the window, not a chance he would he take a treat. (I am working on the squirrel thing!)

Also, a dog won’t take food when their emotional state is one of fear or anxiety. If your dog is scared food is the last thing on his mind.

Why?

Fear reaction starts in the brain and spreads through the body to help them either defend themself or run (fight or flight) The fear response starts in a region of the brain called the amygdala, a threat, such as the sight of a dog/stranger/bag blowing in the wind/wheelie bin, triggers a fear response in the amygdala, which activates areas involved in preparation for motor functions involved in fight or flight. It also triggers release of stress hormones including Adrenaline, Cortisol and Norepinephrine.
The brain becomes hyperalert, pupils dilate, the bronchi dilate and breathing accelerates. Heart rate and blood pressure rise. Blood flow and stream of glucose to the skeletal muscles increase. Organs not vital in survival such as the gastrointestinal system slow down. Your dog has no interest in food if he is frightened because his body doesn’t need it.
Offering food can be a way to find out how your dog is feeling.

If you have a fearful or anxious dog and want some help please contact me on [email protected]

If your dog is Dog reactive (barks, growls or lunges at dogs), fearful of strangers, resource guarding (that is anxiety that you will take thier stuff) or anxiety when alone then please post in the community and tell me all about it, or book a call using the link.