Another doggie joins the fray...

[asianflava]

Yep, Pepper is establishing his dominance. You have to make sure Joey knows that you are Pepper's boss, the "Alpha dog".

I read an article that said you can let them know who is the boss by pouring a bowl of food and putting your face near it (as if you were gonna eat it). When they know you are in control, you allow them to eat. You have to make shure that they know that you are allowing them to eat. Pepper is doing the exact same thing when he gives the bone to Joey.

[mikeschn]

Thanks for all the feedback folks... It's really interesting what these dogs do...

Mike...

[swissarmygirl]

Yep, Pepper is establishing his dominance. You have to make sure Joey knows that you are Pepper's boss, the "Alpha dog".

I read an article that said you can let them know who is the boss by pouring a bowl of food and putting your face near it (as if you were gonna eat it). When they know you are in control, you allow them to eat. You have to make shure that they know that you are allowing them to eat. Pepper is doing the exact same thing when he gives the bone to Joey.

They've been using a similar technique at the shelter where I volunteer. They will "hand-feed" certain dogs to make sure they know that the 2-leggers are in charge. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to try it a time or two with Pepper & Joey.

[deputydogrick]

I'm a little behind Mike, good luck with your new best friend

[NutmegJoe]

I read an article that said you can let them know who is the boss by pouring a bowl of food and putting your face near it (as if you were gonna eat it). When they know you are in control, you allow them to eat. You have to make shure that they know that you are allowing them to eat. Pepper is doing the exact same thing when he gives the bone to Joey.

That's also why you shouldn't leave a bowl of food out for your dogs all the time...if they can get food anytime they want, why should they do what you want them to do?

If you "feed" them once or twice a day, they know where their food is coming from - you, the "food god!". You'll have an easier time training them. IMHO.