I have a 3 year old Westie and her puppy, of 9 weeks.  Having become an avid reader of these boards, i have got some marrowbones from the butchers (don't know what animal tho!) today. The bones are as big as the puppy, but she showed some initial interest, but Mum is only interested in as far as protecting them.  Some of you may remember an almost identical post about chicken bones.
Sorry if I seem really dumb, but I don't really know how to handle the situation or what to expect.
Do I give them a bone each and expect them to stick to their own bones and admonish them myself for trying to steal each others?  Do I let them fight it out (not something i'd like to do)?  I have put the puppy's into her cage as it's the only 'allocated' area i have, but Mum tries to go in to get it, or guards the outside so she can't get out.  Do i tell Mum off for this?  Mum doesn't really have her own area as she sleeps upstairs with me, so how do I let puppy know that Mum's bone is Mum's bone, or doesn't it work like that?
As well as keeping order, is the problem that they don't appear to actually like them!
Would a quick zap in the microwave to let off some aroma be a bad thing?  It seems a shame that they are missing out on something that could be potentially very enjoyable for them.
The other thing is - is it safe to leave the puppy with her bone in the crate while I go out?
Sorry for going on, but i really want them to enjoy this and it's causing nothing but grief in every way at the moment...

I don't have answers to all your questions but with regards to where/how to feed bones this is what I do:

My older dog has always been used to taking any big/smelly/crumbly/messy treats outside to eat in the garden - partly because I don't want bits round the house or on the floor and partly because he prefers it.  Incidentally he won't eat anything in/on bed so feeding in the crate is out too.  When we got our puppy I realised that treats or toys could potentially be an issue so we trained him to take any contentious item to his crate.  If he was playing, I'd use that as an opportunity to give the older dog some time off and use a baby gate to let him snooze peacefully - without fear of being sat on of having to deal with puppy sharks teeth!

I give the treats with dogs side by side but one goes to his crate and other outside.  This way they are completely separate with no visual contact either.  The youngest comes out of his crate when he's finished, his door is not shut, but the back door remains closed until the eldest has finished.  Once that door is open they both like to explore each others area but just to see if there is anything left over!   I give bones on a timed basis usually no more than 30 minutes as they can both get a bit frenzied about them.  I bag them and put them into the garage fridge til next time.  If they get too revolting I bin them.

Although the youngster takes things to his crate I only allow this when I'm at home.  I don't leave either dog with anything in their crates if I'm out;  they're not left long enough to get bored and I've always liked the idea that crate time for them when I'm out or in bed is sleep time.  They know the routine: lipstick and handbag means I'm off out and, as soon as they've clocked the bag or smelt perfume, they trundle off to the utility room and go to bed - such good boys :)