All animals ( yes, our babies are animals
) have a very primitive instinct and that is to guard their food. Its a survival instinct. If you allow another to take your food while your hungrey and eating....you don't get to eat. But, they can be taught to trust us..by as someone stated continuously letting them know WE are the Alpha, and we will allow our pack to eat and provide for them. Yogi did this to me twice when he was about 12 months and 15 months..I made a hissing noice (thats our sound my husband and I use when we mean back off and give us your full attention) I made him back up (with physically pushing him) and told him NO very stern, and wait for 10 secs and let him go back to the food bowl. He hasn't done it again. Its not so much a behavior problem to try it, but we have to let them know, we are the last word, and attacking their pack leader is not OK, they do understand that notion especially in the dog realm.