The Wolf
The Alpha is responsible for ensuring the pack is suppled with food. As the most important member of the pack, the Alpha wolf will eat first. Walking away from the food is the behavioural signal for the next in line to come and eat.
In the wild, if a wolf leaves some food laying around it will soon be eaten by someone else.
Techniques used
Why you do it
This tells your dog – as Alpha I have supplied the food, eaten first and what’s left is yours. By removing the bowl, when he walks away, you are maintaining control of the food.