Let's eat!

[Frzframe]

Okay ever since I've had Mitzi she's always tried to get Emily's food. I've always stood between her and Emily while Em's finishing up her meal. But, last night Mitzi got by me cause I was busy doing something and the dogs got into a fight. Emily has very few teeth and Mitzi as really going after Emily so I had to step in. Mitzi didn't want to let go of poor Em's fur. I ran Mitzi out of the kitchen but she kept coming back. What can I do other then kennel Mitzi up while Emily eats? Emily is old and can't defend herself against Mitzi and her sharp teeth.

This will only be for a few weeks until we get to move into my house. She I just do what I've been doing and wait it out until we move?

Shonda & Pig named Moo

[Molly's Mom]

Just out of curiosity, how close do you keep their food bowls? We used to use one of those double bowls when the dogs were little, but after a while, they did not like being that close when they ate. We bought them new bowls. and Sammy eats on the floor, while Molly eats on the couch. Sometimes I still have to watch them if I put anything good in the bowl because Molly watches Sammy eat before she'll eat herself. If we aren't careful, she'll let him also eat any "goodies" in the bowl as well.

However, we've never had any actual fights over the food. I think the best thing to do is to separte the dogs when they eat. It's not fair for the one who can't defend themselves to be attacked over a basic neccessity.

[willsana]

I think you should do what ever it takes to keep them appart until meal time is over. Even if it means crating one. Is there a door that can be shut between them? Or a "kiddie gate"?

Good luck.
:o)-willsana

[Frzframe]

Mitzi eats on one side of the kitchen and Emily on the other. Mitzi just eats so fast (plus she dosen't get as much as Emily) so she's done before Emily even starts. I normally stand by Emily so Moo won't steal her food but I think that if it happens again Moo's going to be put in her kennel since there is no way to shut it off. We did try to feed Emily in the Bathroom and it worked for a while until Emily decided she didn't want to go in there. They are both spoiled rotten.

Shonda

[Meemoo]

Do they each have separate kennels? Maybe you could feed them in their own kennels so their is no fighting.

[Frzframe]

They do have their own kennels but right now Emmy can't use hers. It's being used for someone else. Besides Emily wouldn't eat in her kennel - she hates being in there and won't eat anything we put in it for her. Not even yummy stuff like chicken or beef. But if it happens again Mitzi will be put in her kennel cause she'll eat anything anywhere.

Shondas

[Meemoo]

It's a good idea to get them used to being kenneled or in a crate in case some day they should have a back injury. Crate rest is the utmost of importance during this time. If the pupper isn't used to being crated or even left in an x-pen, it can cause a lot of problems when suddenly they are constricted.

Just something to think about.

[Frzframe]

I agree and Moo does good in her kennel. Emily who is actually my dad's Lhasa Apso wasn't kenneled when little and hates it when she has to go in one. She gets all depressed and since on Dec 31st she'll turn 12 I don't think we have much to worry about.

Shonda

[2DogsLong]

You can try to slow down Mitzi's eating by putting some large heavy balls (that she can't get in her mouth and swallow) in her bowl with her food. She will have to eat around and push the obstacles and it will take her longer to get through the meal. I had to do that with Frankie for a while because he ate so quickly he would forget to breathe.

[Frzframe]

I'll have to find some balls for her bowl. She'll think they are new toys for her though! She just loves getting new toys. She's cracks me up.

Shonda

[Meemoo]

You can also try getting a BIG rock and placing it in the middle so she has to eat around it. There are also dog bowls that only have the rims around (No center) so they have to eat around as well. Both these will slow the pupper from eating so fast.