[Jamie & Odin]

I had recently noticed some changes in "top dog" status at my house. Odin's maturing, and has taken a distinct disliking to my malts obnoxious overtures of dominance.

This became more apparent if the malt would approach Odin's crate, especially if he was eating. Growling and some lunging from in the crate.

So, I took Patricia McConnell's advice and began feeding them all together in the kitchen.

Each dog has to perform for ME before getting his/her bowl and I switch it up every night as to which one gets their bowl down first.

They are NOT allowed to approach each other while eating, they eat and bowls are picked up. They are NOT allowed to growl or otherwise harrass each other during dinner time either.

The first few nights, there were some problems. Nothing dangerous, and what I did was take away the offending dog's food, and he got to watch the other two eat.

Within three days this has eliminated any food related problems between dogs (none ever existed with their humans;) )

Now, one can finish and walk within inches of either of the other dogs and nary an eyebrow is raised. I believe this little experiment on my part has reinstilled in my dogs that ALL they have comes from me, they have no right to harrass each other and rudeness/misbehavior will not be tolerated.

I know there are mixed thoughts on feeding dogs seperately in crates or otherwise, what are your thoughts/experiences?