Advice Needed - Dog Acting out at Dinner Time?

Feed him a little earlier, sounds like your dog's cycle is with the sunset rather than a clock. Also, you really should feed your dog twice daily. About 12 hours apart. Also, you may not be feeding him enough. Check the back of his food container based on his weight and see how much he should be getting daily. Good luck!

Your dog is 8 years old, so he has seen a few winters already. What did he do last year? And what did you do last year, feed him early? Many animals know about days being shorter in the winter time and their internal clocks do adjust.

Start feeding him dinner earlier. Sounds like he is hungry before seven at night. In fact, for large breeds it is good to feed them twice a day, though not necessary.

It could be the winter increases his appetite. He may be expending more energy in colder weather.

Teach your dog to "Sit, stay."

With this method, you tell your dog to sit and stay, and he is not allowed to get up and eat until you tell him "Okay!" or "Eat!" Whichever one you want to use. Do NOT give in if your dog begins to bark, but if he does not, praise him, and let him eat a LITTLE BIT!

Later, at 7, give him the rest of his meal.

Gradually work this up until your dog does not eat a little at 5, 5:30, 6, or 6:30, but ONLY at 7. This should work.

Good Luck!

Remove the food dish. Put it away somewhere.

Give him something else to do, even if it's just a down-stay.

Don't allow him in that room.

Otherwise, just ignore him. He'll only continue if it get attention.

If the dog is acting out at dinnertime, sell tickets to your dinnershow. You've got a goldmine here, take advantage of it.

Feed him at 5 instead. What is the big deal.

Ignore the behavior that you don't like and don't give into him. If he sees you don't approve he will stop the behavior.

if you usually feed him at dark he gets used to it and he would think its dinner

Tell him no. Be assertive about it. You are in charge, not him.

You dont have to be mean. Just assertive.