Feeding 2 huskies at the same time leads to fights

Question
Dear Laura,

I am currently baby-sitting two Siberian Huskies for a friend of mine.  The bitch is 18 months old and the dog is 12 months old - both have beautiful dispositions and are very sociable (with people as well as each other).  They definitely share a very stong bond with each other.  

While they are gorgeous dogs and I feel priviliged to foster them, I am facing some difficulty at meal times.  As I prepare their meal, they both stand expectantly at the backdoor, very excited, but sociable with one another.  Unfortunately, when I place the dishes down on the ground, the arguments begin.  Unless I feed them at a great distance from one another (ie, around the other side of the house and 2 corners out of sight or one indoors and the other outdoors), there is no peace.  The bitch, although in good condition and of healthy weight, will insist upon attempting to 'eat both dinners'.  This results in her racing between dishes and trying to eat/ guard both of them, and the dog feels rather shut out and hungry as she dominates him out of his own dinner.  

I don't believe she is acting out of starvation or hunger as she is not able to finish both meals, but the behaviour still persists.  When I feed them in separate areas, I find that he is very relaxed and allows me to pet him while he's eating, and even take food out of his dish while he's eating.  But the bitch is very protective and becomes rigid and emits a low rumbling vocalisation if I try to touch her when she's eating.

I believe that the behaviour stems from puppy-hood as, according to the owner, when they were little they would be fed in the same area, but during feeding time the bitch would seek affection and while the owner was petting her, the dog would eat both bowls!  This became an established pattern for a while and I suspect that this is the root of today's dilemma.

Do you have any suggestions/ advice on how I can break this behaviour pattern using a humane method that results in the two of them eating together, like a pack should do, without such large fights?

Any and all inputs would be greatly valued.

Thank you kindly, Gabby.

Answer
The bitch is just showing her dominance.  You can try feeding them at different times.  For example bring in the bitch and give her food, then bring in the male.  You can also put a leash on the bitch well she is eating.  When the bitch starts to act up, take her away from her food.  Another way is getting a training collar for her.  They sell these at Pet smart.  It will take some time.  During this time, you need to remain in control.  You need to let her know, that you are the leader of the pack.  If she acts up, you need to punish her.  Stick her outside or in a crate.  If these ideas don't work, than ask your vet.