Puppies feuding over food

[nicole-m]

I adopted a male hound mix and a female shepard mix recently. They are both 9 months old and fixed. The only problem I run into with my otherwise perfect puppies is that I have to feed them separately because the boy (Sal) will leave his unfinished food and go try to eat the girl's (Roxy) food. If you try to hold him back he becomes mean not towards me or my boyfriend but to her. He bullies her after the fact. I don't understand because he has food and they get fed the same thing. I am at a loss.

[binka_nugget]

I'm not sure but to me, it sounds like he's alpha. Alpha's get to eat first, sleep at the place of their choice, and some other things as well.

Feeding them away from each other is a good idea. Do they both have crates? Crating is probably best.

[clara4457]

Was he a stray? or underfed? Most dogs that have had to fight for their food will become possessive of it. Your best bet is to feed them in their crates or in seperate rooms. Train Sal to park (go to a specified area) until Roxy has finished eating. Always pick up the dishes once dinner time is done.

Just a word of warning - if either is food possessive, make sure you never leave bones or rawhide chews out. I have seen a great many major fights over these items.

Good Luck - and welcome to Pet Talk

[wolf_Q]

My siberian husky is food aggressive with other dogs too. He's GREAT with people, just not dogs....he's bit at Smokey (poodle) twice and really scared him. He's growled at Reggie but never snapped. I think it's because Smokey's the lowest end of the pack.

I just keep them separate when eating....