Discussions

I'm having some issues with my pup 6months) not wanting to share food with my older dog(3yrs).. It's not always, but we have noticed every now and then our pup snarls and nips at our older dog when we put food out. Any ideas why this could be or how we can prevent it? They are both outside farm dogs and feeding separately is not possible (we learned this early).

this behaviour is know as resource guarding. Your puppy may be trying to establish dominance by becoming the pack leader or it can be a sign of fear/anxiety. You the dog owner need to assert yourself as the pack leader.  
 
Make sure to feed your dog(s) consistently at the same time everyday. Let your dog(s) work/earn for their food. You can hand feed your dogs a bit of food to help them realize humans are not a threat: occasionally while the dog(s) are mid-eating toss a treat in the dish.  
 
Keep an open mind that the dog(s) behaviour can not change unless you change your behaviour. If the food aggression/resource guarding continues your dog(s) is more likely to growl, show teeth or even bite/attack.  
 
It would be worth contacting one if the many certified dog trainers located in Brandon. I suggest contacting Two Brown Dogs Canine Consultants-they will not only come assess and work with your dog(s) but with you too.

I agree - seek professional advice, not advice from eBrandon. Food aggression can be very serious, and can result in injury to both humans and other pets.

I too agree with curlysister. I think the younger dog is asserting her/his dominance. I don't understand why you can't feed separately or at least in separate bowls. I have two males both feed together in separate bowls never had a problem. The younger bigger male allows the older male to feed out of his bowl and visa visa. Both were pups when I got them, both different breeds, now 3years old, the larger is double the size of the older dog and sometimes gets over boisterous and I always stop that behavior. They live together share the same kennel and have never fought each. other.

for sure. And, your puppy should ideally be on a puppy formulation until a year old but, I know what it's like to try to separate animals of different ages for feeding, it can be tough. Lol