Things You'll Need
- Dog food bowls
- Dog food
- Separate locations or dog gate
Instructions
Identify the alpha dog and give food to it first. The alpha dog usually will exhibit one or more of these behaviors:
• Mount the other dog
• Steal or guard food and toys
• Take the prime sleeping area
• Push ahead of the other dog when entering a room
• Challenge the other dog, and get it to roll over and expose its belly
• Walk/stand with a dominant posture: head held high and tail upright
Separate the dogs during feeding time by using a sturdy pet gate or by putting them in different rooms---especially for large dogs. Or feed one dog outside and one dog inside of the house.
Establish a feeding schedule, such as twice per day, so the dogs get used to a set meal time. Remove their food bowls after five to 10 minutes. Do not leave their food out all day; it encourages aggression and competition for the food.
Mix dog food with something tasty so they will eat immediately (ask your veterinarian first to find out which foods are appropriate). Wean the dogs off the tasty food once they are used to eating at specific times.
Reward positive behavior. Tell them they are good dogs, pet them and/or give them a treat immediately after they have eaten without fighting.