Patience

I decided to try a new feeding tactic with the dogs. I still put Archie in the garage and let the other two dine in the house. What frustrates me is Jimmy, the little terrier, fiddle farts around and won't eat all his food. He dances about and wants to follow me everywhere. So unless I stand over him and keep telling him to, "Eat" he'll just take a nibble or two, which doesn't work when you have a Beagle on the premises.

Meanwhile, back in the garage, Mr. Archie is scratching down the door wanting in. The reason I wait is if I let him in before the other two are finished, he will rush the other dogs and gobble down their food. Since the Beagle is a year old and perhaps a little more mature, I thought I try something new. An experiment per say. I let Archie in the house, after he was finished with his meal, knowing he would bolt over to Jimmy's dish. I told Archie to 'wait' and held him back, then Jimmy took it from there. He guarded his dish and began growling. Just as I had hoped, he started eating.

Archie's moving in a little closer, but Jimmy was on to him and kept growling as he continued to eat. I'm thinking, great! Now Archie can hover over Jim and I don't have to. Gosh I surprise myself with my brilliance!

There's Jim giving Archie the ol, "Don't you touch my food" warning. Archie's not only being patient, but really good. You have to realize how difficult this is for him. I was very proud of the little gobbler. After all, good things come to those who wait, right?

Well, not in Archie's case, Jimmy ate every last bite.