Question:
I have two Japanese Chin dogs -- a 12-year-old male and an 11-year-old female. The male weighs about 13 pounds and the female 21 pounds. I have had them since they were puppies, and they have lived all their lives together. Something strange happened a year ago: My male would not eat when my female was in the kitchen. He acts as though he is afraid. If she is not around and the coast is clear, he seems to feel safe enough to eat his food. But he always checks her bowl first and eats what may be left before he eats out of his bowl. What would you suggest I do to make dinnertime easier for all concerned?
G.S., Lewisville, NC May 10, 2009
Answer:
Old as your dogs may be, you are witnessing the dynamics of the canine pack where new behaviors can develop at almost any age when social relationships change. The female has become the one to assert dominance over her mate when they are eating. So it's either divorce (which, at their age, is beyond question) or you leash the male until her ladyship has finished eating. They may eat together with a solid barrier between them -- a dog gate may not work, since Lady Chin could make eye contact with Mr. Chin and it would be over for him.
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