basset/beagle mix

Question
my son and daughter-in-law have two female siblings and have had them since about 8 wks old. the cannot leave food or water out because they don't stop until it is all gone. They are not potty trained because they live in an apartment. they are both spayed. they play together well but aggressive and fight over everything. If one has a toy the other fights for it, same with food and water. Their vet has said they do  not have diabetes. how do they break them of this behavior so they can have access to water and food whenever needed. (They don't get much water and if they are gone they don't have any). They said from the time they got them they would drink and drink and they would cry because they would get so bloated.


Answer
Hi Beth, Certainly dogs can be trained to have a free-feeder system, and should always have water in front of them. But due to their age, they need to be trained to relieve themselves outside, even apartment dogs can go out for a potty break, or can be trained to use a "piddle" pad. It is not uncommon for dogs to argue over toys, bones...it is part of growing up and these things mother dog would teach them in the pack.  So if your son and daughter-in-law learn about pack leadership, they will understand. They should also be trained that a crate is a den, a comfortable place to go for safety and security (leaving a goodie or chew toy inside will help, and making it cozy). Start with the door left open when the parents are home so that they go in and out at will. Soon they will learn that the crate is a good safe place and will go there willingly if the parents must leave them alone. Under normal circumstances a dog will not soil it's crate. But it is unreasonable to ask any pup that is not housebroken to stay crated up for hours on end. Maybe even a neighbor could take them out for a little walk if your son or daughter will be late. Their little bladders need to get big enough to hold it for long periods of time. Of course, if someone is home, this will not be an issue. Aggressive play is normal as long as the pack leaders (your son and his wife) do not let it get out of control to the point that they are drawing blood. It is their way of establishing dominance within the pack. Mom and Dad are equally number one pack leaders, and the dogs must decide who is beta and who will take the lower rank. They must to through this, it is normal.  Please leave me some feedback, and follow-up with me if you need any more suggestions. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan