Your dog always wants what the other dog has because, to a dog, anything another dog is interested in instantly looks more valuable. This comes from natural instincts to compete for resources like food and toys, plus social learning: if another dog is enjoying something, it must be good! It’s normal in multi-dog homes, but it can turn into resource guarding, so it helps to give each dog their own things and manage mealtimes.
Here’s a closer look at the reasons, and what you can do about it.
Reasons why our dog always want what the other dog has
Here are some possible explanations for why your dog always wants what the other dog has:
1The Pack Instinct
At its core, a dog’s desire to eat what another dog is eating is rooted in its ancestry. Wolves and free-living dogs live in social groups and share in the same food sources, and domestic dogs are still very social animals, even though they may not live with other dogs.
When dogs see another dog eating something, their natural instinct is to want to join in. They see the other dog as part of their pack and want to share in the experience. This instinct is also why dogs are so fascinated by anything that smells like food. If another dog has been near it, that means it’s probably good to eat!
2Food competition
Another reason dogs may want what other dogs are eating is because of food competition. In the wild, food is often scarce. If another dog has food, that means there’s less for them. So, it’s natural for dogs to be protective of their food and to want to take food away from other dogs. In multi-dog homes this can also look like a dog who won’t eat until the other dog finishes.
This instinct can carry over into domestic life, even if there’s plenty of food to go around. Dogs may start to see other dogs as a threat to their food supply and become possessive or aggressive around them.
If your dog is always trying to steal food from other dogs, it’s important to provide them with their bowl and toy and not let them eat from the same dishes as the other dogs in your home. This will help them feel like they have their own space and resources and won’t need to compete with the other dogs for food.
3Claiming territory
Also, a reason dogs may want what other dogs have is because they’re trying to claim territory. In the wild, dogs establish their territory and defend it from other dogs. This instinct can carry over into domestic life, even if there are no other dogs around.
Dogs may see anything another dog has as something worth claiming. This can include food, toys, beds, favorite spots on the couch, and even people! Giving each dog their own things helps, and we cover more ways to set boundaries below.
4Social Learning
Another reason dogs want what other dogs have is simple social learning. Dogs watch each other closely, and when one dog shows interest in a bowl, a chew, or a toy, it signals to the other dog that the item is worth having. A toy that has been ignored for weeks can suddenly become the most exciting thing in the house the moment another dog picks it up.
An item another dog has been carrying around also smells interesting, which only adds to the appeal. Some dogs also learn that grabbing the other dog’s toy gets them attention from their owner, which makes them do it even more.
How to satisfy your dog?
If your dog is always trying to eat what other dogs are eating, there are a few things you can do to satisfy them:
1Give them their own food
Make sure your dog has their own bowl of food and toy. This will help them feel like they have their own space and resources and won’t need to compete with the other dogs for food.
2Provide plenty of resources
If you have multiple dogs, make sure there are enough resources for everyone. This includes food, toys, beds, and space. We cover the bigger picture in how much harder it is to have 2 dogs.
3Establish boundaries
If your dog is always trying to steal things from other dogs, try to establish boundaries. For example, you may need to keep your dog on a leash when you’re around other dogs so they don’t try to take their food or toys. At home, feed your dogs in separate rooms or crates, pick up bowls once meals are over, and teach cues like “leave it” and “wait,” rewarding your dog for calmly letting the other dog keep their things.
4Satisfy their natural instincts
Dogs are social animals, and a bored dog is more likely to go looking for trouble, including the other dog’s toys. Give your dog plenty of exercise, chew items, and puzzle toys of their own, and opportunities to socialize with friendly dogs, such as walks with a doggy friend. If your dog guards food or toys, skip places like dog parks where food and toys are shared. If your dogs are very different sizes, read do big dogs know to be gentle with small dogs.
5Know when it’s resource guarding
Wanting the other dog’s things is normal, but watch for signs that it has turned into resource guarding: stiffening over a bowl or toy, eating faster when the other dog comes near, growling, snapping, or fights. Never punish the growling, since it’s a warning; punishing it can make a dog bite without warning instead. If you see guarding, separate the dogs at mealtimes and with high-value chews, and talk to your vet or a certified, reward-based trainer or behaviorist for help.
Conclusion
There are a few reasons why dogs may want what other dogs have, including food competition, claiming territory, and social learning. If your dog is always trying to eat what other dogs are eating, there are a few things you can do to satisfy them, such as giving them their own food, providing plenty of resources, and establishing boundaries.
