Tuesday Training Byte: Feeding time with multiple dogs

I have had several people ask me about dealing with their dogs that tend to fight at meal time. While I know trainers and others who can successfully train their dogs to only eat from their own bowl, I find it easier to avoid the hassle in the first place. You don't want to have to try to separate dogs fighting over the food. Over the decades I have usually kept around 6 to 7 dogs. This group may include up to three different breeds, various ages, and dietary needs. I am not an advocate of "free feeding". So here is my suggestion- make it simple! We prepare all of our dogs' meals at the same time, careful to measure out the particular food each dog requires (senior, grain-free, puppy, adult, etc). Each one may have supplements or medications. We send each dog to their respective crate and deliver their dish. After about 15 minutes, we pick up all the dishes and let the dogs out to potty. Feeding each in their crate solves many problems other than fighting.

1. each dog gets his exact amount and the correct feed formula

2. it is evident if a dog is off his feed or not feeling well

3. I can put medication in with their food and visually see that they ate it

4. It puts me in charge rather than a dog stepping in a alpha at feeding time

   Some dogs can be slower eaters and crating for meal time keeps that dog from being bullied or the fast eater from helping himself to the other's food. My dogs do learn that when I hand out treats, everyone needs to sit and wait for me to call their name as I hand out the treat, without butting in to try to steal it away. If you have a food aggressive dog, do not hand out treats with the dogs loose. Most treats including dental chews will slip between the wires of the individual crates.