[QuickSilver]

It sounds like Cooper guards "high value" objects, like food and bully sticks.

I would just separate them when they eat, and keep them separated if you give them bully sticks. You may want to consider not giving bully sticks at all if/until this behavior stops.

Separating them during those times may fix the problem right there. Also, I would start interrupting their play regularly so they get used to it. You can use the "Settle" command. You can try keeping a can of pennies on hand as well, or a cup of ice water.

A few things on Drop It:

- You can try teaching "Take It" first, and then you get Drop It for free when you give him a treat. Teach him to take his ball, then he has to drop it for food.

- You can simply increase the value of the treat you will give him for Drop It. Try tiny bits of steak, for instance.

- For the ball, don't reward him for hanging on to it. For most dogs, an ideal game of fetch is: you throw the ball, he chases it; you chase after him, he runs away; you and he have a tug fight over the ball; and eventually when he's ready, you throw the ball for him again. You need to teach him that if he doesn't Drop It, you don't throw it again.

- All that being said, if he really wants something, he may not Drop It, so I would consider management and other strategies to prevent fights.