I have seen many dogs that just have the propensity to eat from the other dogs dish no matter how full they are. Sounds like your Yorkie could be bolting food to keep it from the other dog and then going after his food. It can just be competition. Some dogs are just food hoarders and want all of the food themselves. It can be a trait of attempted dominance as I understand it. Alpha dogs control who eats what when and she could be trying for alpha. Try monitoring the feedings and repeatedly push her away each time she goes for the other bowl and say "No" as matter of factly as possible using your training voice. It will take unemotional determination on your part and the ability to get down there with them. Disagreeing with this behavior will tell her from the beginning that her behavior is unacceptable and you are the alpha in this house. But don't be condemning and make feeding time scary - just matter of factly disagree with the behavior and keep it up. An unemotional response from you each time she goes for the other bowl will give her the idea that she doesn't get to dominate feeding time. If you can't get down on their level, perhaps tension on a lease and an unemotional "Uh Uh" can accompany her attempts. She should soon get the idea that you and not she controls feeding in your home. Perhaps you can try feeding the other dog first and let her watch to get a clear idea that you have control of the bowl. Or take up her food bowl each time she goes for the other bowl if she hasn't yet bolted her food. She can make the other dog's mealtime just awful if allowed to continue; and your other dog can get very resentful and aggressive or regress and avoid eating since it is so eventful and unpleasant. Be as persistent as she is and she will learn that she doesn't get to choose to bully the other bowl. My impression with friends who have had this issue is that they just give up too soon if their errant dog doesn't respond right away or regresses over time. Unemotional persistence is your best ally in teaching proper group feeding techniques. Keep on disagreeing with that behavior. |