[lengel]

IMO, all of your dogs should be kept in their crates until feeding time is over. No one should be allowed to hunt out leftovers. When everyone is finished leftovers should be removed before anyone is released from their crates.

Dogs need to know that they can eat without the constant threat of having that meal taken away. There is a huge difference between a dog who can't eat in his/her own crate (respected territory) without having other dogs challenge that and a dog who respects the authority of the people of the household and edible items in other parts of the house. Crates are really a different story from the rest of the house. The dogs are simply setting the rules when it comes to their private space. Isn't that the point of a crate? We are giving them space that is theirs and protected from other dogs and their challenges. Even the most submissive dog should be allowed the time to eat in peace.