sister poodles

Question
I have 2 female litter mates who will be 3 4/24. They were bought several months apart and got along great from day 1 when they were reunited. Recently the 1st (10lbs) Tink was the agressive one, but it seems like her sister (12 lbs) Belle is taking over the role. She never snapped, but last week she snapped when Tink went near her treat, then snapped at me when I went near it. I took it away, let her settle for a few minutes then put food in her bowl and then put my hand there, she was calm. Do you think it was because the other female tried to get her treat caused this? Tink always tries to destroy Belle's sweaky toys and Belle always mothers her toys. I am worried this can happen again. I always worried about Tink being agrressive since she bites the boxer across the way, but Belle was never like this. Can you suggest anything? Thanks

Answer
Hello Carole,
Sounds like Belle is becoming the dominate one over her sister.  She is just telling Tink that she had better stay away from her treat.  She probably didn't mean to react aggressively towards you, but it was just a sudden reaction.  If Belle does this again, be sure to get on to her for it. Hold her down in a dominate way until she settles down, then let her up. You might reinforce that you are boss by giving her her food in her bowl and taking the bowl away during the time she is eating.  Praise her if she doesn't get angry and give her the food back.  Carefully run your hand around in her bowl once in a while and again praise her if she doesn't get angry.  
When you give the girls treats, give Belle hers first and let her finish, then give Tink hers.  This way, you establish that Belle is boss and that Tink is the submissive girl.  As for the toys thing, you may need to get them separate toys and play with them individually so that Tink doesn't destroy Belle's toys.  That could cause some strife amongst the two if Tink continues to do this.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim