Hi PuppyPal,
I am not so familiar with the breed but my last foster dog was a 5 yrs old male Lahsa. He was a gentleman except for when I tried to pull him down from the couch and when I tried to take his favorite toy and bone away from him. Both times, he growled at me.
I have 3 bigger dogs but they never ever growl at me and they just drop bones/toys when I tell them to. They are allowed on the couch but they get off whenever I tell them to. Therefore, I was a bit surprised and felt uncomfortable when the Lahsa growled and tried to bite me. I started working on his obedience right away. I showed him I don't accept that kind of behavior right at the first growl. I think he was spoiled by his previous owner.
Since your puppy is only 4.5 mos old I hope he will soon learn that he should not act like that. You also said that Riley does not look at you in the eyes so I recommend you practice "watch me" with him. All the trainings start from getting the dog's attention. Make him sit in front of you and show him a tiny piece of treat and bring it right in between your eyes. He should follow the treat with his eyes. If he does, praise and give the treat. Repeat this several times. When he become accustomed to this action, introduce a command of "watch me". He will soon learn how to "watch me (you)".
Now as for the feeding time, I think you did a right thing to feed them separately. The best and easiest way to solve the problem is to eliminate the situation. When being fed separately there is nothing Riley can do.
When Riley has mastered "watch me" "sit" and "wait", resume feeding them in the same room but several feet apart under your supervision. When Riley finishes his meal tell him to stay there. When he tries to move toward Cricket, tell him "stay" again. Don't let him move until Cricket finishes her meal. You will make them closer and closer but don't ever let cricket put his head into Cricket's bowl. You will have to watch them whenever they eat but that is important because you want to prevent their fights before they start.
You might want to teach Riley to "drop it" and "leave it" when he masters the basic commands. Those are very handy commands in order to prevent/correct "resource guarding aggressions".
Good luck
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