regressive 3 yr old

Question
We have a gentle 3 year old boxer mix named Yobo. We recently brought home a 16 wk old American Bull dog (Taffy). The dogs romp and play and are inseperable. However,feeding is a promblem. When 2 bowls are put down(1 with puppy food and the other with Yobo"s regular food) Taffy will scarf up Yobo's and hers.I've tried feeding them seperatly but Yobo won't eat unless I hand feed her. Yobo is not totaly dominated.There are somethings she will not share and she's quick to let Taffy know it. Also,will dogs regress like children with a new baby? I'm sure some of the poop I'm picking up did not come from the puppy.

Answer
It sounds like Yobo doesn't understand who is in charge.  Perhaps over fed too.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  Once slimmed down if needed, Yobo may eat better.  

Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.

Once Taffy is finished eating, she will need to go out before long.  Taking her out will give Yobo time to finish eating.  When you come back in, take up what isn't eaten.