Can you tell me about my dog's eating quirk?

[earlystreetlight]

Can anyone give me any insight on this quirky behaviour?

my 2yr old Bedlington Terrier is really standoffish about food. Mostly he can take it or leave it. ( shame about the squirrels though )

when we put down food ( and even if we know he is hungry ie when he comes and stands by me when I'm cooking ) he will act firstly as if he doesn't want it.

He will look away, walk away and lately, then return literally by skulking around the edges of the room back to the bowl. It's almost like he showing he doesn't really want it.

I was just putting out his food and he could see me do it and he went across the room and stood behind a plant. As if he was in an am dram.

We find it funny but I am curious as to what could be behind it.

In the same vein, my friend's dog will not eat if anyone is watching.

Any thoughts knowledgeable dog people?

My terrier cross is weird with food, sometimes he'll eat with no issues but other times he looks at you as if he thinks you're trying to poison him 😳

Isn't this classic 'going to let mum/dad have first go of the bowl first' type behaviour?!
@chocolateicefan
could you enlarge on that? not sure what you mean but sounds interesting.

@ApolloandDaphne
Just like my friends Lab. No funny business at all. Food = Eat 😄

@IamEarthymama
Yes he lives for cheese! If he's fussing around I put a little grating of cheese over his food. Often does the trick.

@thepriceisrightnow
We already only leave his bowl out for 20 mins or so. Have always done that. I think a more dog experienced friend told us to do that.