My dogs know I'm the boss at this house, and I taught Chiquita from early on that what I say goes, and if I want to take away her food, I can, because I'm the boss. I can always reach down and take away her food bowl while she is eating and she will not growl or bite me. It is very important to teach them who the pack leader is, because there is always a leader, and if you don't establish yourself as being it, one of the dogs will!