I definitely feed Cisco his own food whenever I'm eating. He will actually beg for his own food and not mine. I know this because I can set his food next to me and he will ask for his food and not mine. This technique definitely works for Cisco and I. He is happy because he gets to eat with me and I'm happy because he is not eating whatever I'm eating. My food most likely would not be good for him anyway! Sometimes we make a game of it. I will hide or throw his kibble and he will hunt for it. No problem and he actually looks forward to it. He is allowed a certian amount of food a day and these meals are always taken from his total amount allowed. It really isn't too dificult to do. I also have left a plate of food out and gone into the other room without Cisco ever touching a bite!! Some people crate thier dogs when they eat and that is what they are used to. I just think it is a matter of preference. There is no one way of doing anything!!