Hysterics as German Shepherd Will ‘Not Eat’ Unless Sibling Wants His Food

When an animal refuses to eat, it could indicate something serious. However, this is far from the case for Kylo, a German shepherd who recently went viral on TikTok.

Kylo’s behavior is unusual—he refuses to eat unless his meal is under “threat.” In the comical clip, he lies near his food bowl, seemingly uninterested. However, as he hears the footsteps of his puppy sibling, his head tilts toward the doorway. Suddenly, he shoots up and starts eating.

The text over the video explains that Kylo “will not eat his food until his” cocker spaniel brother attempts to take it. This quirky behavior has garnered over 956,000 views and more than 62,000 likes.

The video, captioned: “literally what happens every single day,” ends with a close-up of the puppy licking its lips and then crumbs following the German shepherd’s feast.

The clip resonated with many viewers, sparking discussions among dog owners who’ve experienced similar situations.

One user shared: “My dog does the same thing…but with her stuffed animals. She’s hungry but won’t eat until we ask her stuffies if they want her food.”

Another commented: “It must be a shepherd thing because I literally have to tell him ‘your brother is [going to] eat your food.'”

A third added: “My dog does this with the cats lol. Like, girl, they cannot eat your huge food, it’s okay.”

On a more serious note, a user expressed concern, saying: “[I don’t know] why this scares me so much as someone with a dog that has food aggression out of nowhere.” The owner replied: “Honestly, that’s completely valid! I know Kylo would never hurt his brother, but I for sure don’t like this behavior.”

Newsweek reached out to @kylo.gsdfor comment via TikTok. We couldn’t verify the details of the case.

What Is Resource Guarding?

This type of behavior is known as resource guarding, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). It occurs when a dog becomes overly protective of resources like food, toys, or beds. This issue is not limited to specific breeds and can develop in any dog, influenced by individual temperament and environment.

Signs of resource guarding include:

• Stiffening their body
• Giving a hard stare
• Showing “whale eye” (the whites of their eyes)
• Lifting their lips
• Growling
• Baring their teeth

Addressing Resource Guarding

If a dog displays resource guarding, owners are encouraged to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues, as behavioral changes or aggression could indicate health concerns. When the issue persists, seeking help from a vet or animal behaviorist can be beneficial.

The training typically involves teaching household members, especially children, to manage interactions with the dog safely. Owners are advised against punishment, such as yelling or physical correction, as it may make the behavior worse.

Dogs with resource guarding tendencies react to perceived triggers rather than actual threats. If left unchecked, this can lead to biting, especially in homes with young children. Early intervention by a professional can help address and manage the behavior, ensuring it doesn’t become a dangerous issue.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.