food aggression in puppy

[Mary, Scrappy, Sully and Olive]

I hoping someone can give me some advice on this issue!
Grover is 4 months this week and Scrappy is a year and 1/2. They are total opposites when it comes to eating....she's a fussy, take her time to enjoy eater....he's been eating everything since we took him home 2 months ago. This hasn't been a problem until recently.
Lately, Grover will quickly finish up what he's eating and run up to her and literally grab it out of her mouth. She's so layed back that, bless her heart, she allows it. This happens with everything from milk bones to the forbidden pizza crusts. Friday night he almost swallowed a whole crust just to get to her and steal hers. But he does it with plain milk bones or Scooby Snacks, as well. We do correct him each time and are hoping to break him of this.
More upsetting is his mean growl to try to keep her away! This has happened only a few times, but I'd like to nip it in the bud if possible. Last week I gave them a pan to lick with stuck doggie liver treats(almost easier than washing it!) They were having a ball until Grover decided he wanted it all to himself. I couldn't believe the growl he let out! Yesterday, I gave them each an edible Nylabone in the back seat of the car. Things were going well until Scrappy made the mistake to take a moment and look out the window. He swooped in and stole her bone and brought it over with his side! She tryed to take hers back and I thought he was going to attack her! Very loud and mean growl and bark!
If anyone has dealt with this, please let me know. I want to change it and I do continue to correct as needed, but I want to remain optimistic. Is it changeable?
She has never had a problem sharing bones, hoofs, etc and is very non aggressive. She will correct him when necessary, as a dominant doodle "mom". I don't know if the power will change over to him once he grows, as he will be much larger. I can accept that, but I can't accept the food aggression. It makes for a very stressful household, especially with a puppy that I like to reward when training.
Thanks for listening!!

[Ali]

The best thing to do that I know of is to separate the two of them when they are eating. Treats and everything. That way both dogs can take their time eating. Try feeding them in separate rooms or separate them with a baby gate. As in the car, you can keep them on their sides by using doggy seat belts (I am pretty sure it is just a harness that connects to the car seat belt). There may also be car walls you can find to separate them. If this is not what you want, and don't want to separate them then get help from a professional to help you train them. I have read books about dog training and that is all I got out of them for this problem. Hope it helps.

[Mary, Scrappy, Sully and Olive]

Thanks for the reply. I'd rather not have to separate them, although I've thought of it as an option.
I'll keep on him and if it gets too out of control, I will most likely get a professional trainer involved.
He's okay when eating. They even end up sharing a bowl most of the time, although they both have their own. It's the treats that get him going.
Thanks again.

[Paula]

Hi Mary, I'm writing in regards to the food aggression that you've suddenly seen in your your younger doodle. At 4 mos. old, this is really pretty normal behavior. He's trying to establish himself as "dominate" in your little pack. The problem is that if you don't correct it, it could escalate. In my dog training years, I see so many people that simply "avoid" the situation that makes a dog act defiantly of aggressively. My opinion from 30 years experience, is that you deal with the problem, not avoid it by separating them. After all...how can you correct the problem if you avoid it? First of all....YOU have to be the pack leader or Alpha dog, not the pup or your older dog. Every time you feed your dog, you should make him do something like sit before he gets his food. Dogs in the wild, wolf packs etc. have to work for their food. They don't just get it handed to them and that's hard wired genetics working there, no matter what the breed. Secondly, I'd put myself between them, sitting on the floor and watch over them while they eat. When Grover finishes his food and if he starts for the other bowl (which should be about 8-10 feet away, then take your hand and shove him back giving him a sharp "no" or "hey"...something to get his attention. Then make him sit again. You have to be calm and very assertive so that your energy says you mean business. Sit there until the other dog is finished, then get up and take up their bowls. He should learn pretty quick that you're in charge and it should make for a much more peaceful situation. If shoving him doesn't work, you can move to a little more aggressive move yourself and pretend to "bite" him on the neck using your hand and fingers like a mouth. This is a language that he'll understand. Stand your ground. Let me know how that goes.
Paula
Dominion Dog Training

[Mary, Scrappy, Sully and Olive]

that sounds great. Thanks for the tips!

As you mentioned, I'd rather not have to separate them. I want him to learn what is acceptable, with Scrappy around. I'm hoping that if I keep on him now, he's young enough to "get it" and learn to back down.

I will definately let you know how it goes.

[Mary, Scrappy, Sully and Olive]

Thanks so much.
Eating time, in general is not a problem. They both eat peacefully. It's the treats that are an issue.
They both know that treats don't come easy and must at least sit to receive anything. We're good on sit, stay, down and wait.
I'd rather not separate them and am hoping he's young enough to learn proper behavior. As far as dominance/alpha, I know he may take over as boss of his big sister eventually. She's rather submissive in most things, but will put him in his place when necessary. (As long as he doesn't try to dominate me, I'm all set with that;)...)
He'll be getting neutered in three weeks, so we'll keep an eye on things and I won't hesitate to get a professional trainer involved if things don't improve.
Thanks for the advice and I'll keep you posted!