Thoughts on feeding dogs together, or in crates

[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?

[robsaun317]

i have always fed my dogs together and never had a problem but when i go down to florida xmas time and we stay with my brother in law my female rottie stays by her food bowl and will not let my brothers german shepards anywhere near her food bowl. i think it all has to do with comfort because i see my 2 rotties and my kitten all drinking out of the same water bowl no problems.

[Sharon Marples]

I firmly believe that you need to feed them together, not in crates! A crate is like a den, the dog will defend it and anything in it. Especially so for food!

You might laugh at this picture (in your minds) but we currently have five rotties. We feed them out in our barn. My husband made a long "feeding" bench. It is made up of a 2 x 12 board which is about 15 feet long. He cut holes into it that the feed pans drop into. The board has "legs" on it, which raises it up about 6 inches off the ground. Inbetween each hole for their dog food bowls, he put another piece of 2 x 10 to separate them.

Our dogs are trained from an early age to eat at their own bowl, to not bother the other dogs and to leave the area when they are finished with their individual meals.

Works great for us! Again, no matter how you do it, feel them together, not separately in a crate.

Sharon Marples

[Judi W]

I have also always fed together and have never had a problem. Not a bench, but each has a custom box sitting side by side (my son works at a cabinet factory) with a lip around the top. I love looking at all those butts lined up at feeding time. The girls always finish first and leave the room, but they do make sure to come back in after everyone is finished and left to see if there are any dishes that need cleaning up. (there never are). I've always fed this way.

[Miabella]

I feed my dogs together, placing their bowls on placemats located about 3 feet apart. When I enter with their food, the dogs must do a sit-stay while I put down their bowls. They must remain in the sit-stay until I release them. I have never had a problem with fighting or either of them trying to horn in on the other's meal.