Harley is 7 months old and she will only eat when I am in the same room with her; she has been like this since I got her at 2 months old. Breeder did not have a problem with this; but, she was still with her mother at the time. She has more interest in staying around me than her appitite. I love her dearly, but this worries me.
Any suggestions?
2006-11-18 15:47:07 · 6 answers · asked by cowgirlup 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Sorry, she was almost 3 months old when I got her.
2006-11-18 15:50:35 · update #1
You created the problem without realizing it so now you have to take steps to fix it. What is the worst that will happen if you do not watch the dog eat; she will stop eating, but not forever hunger is a powerful motivator. What you should do is set the food down and walk away, give your dog 10 minutes to eat and if she does not eat pick it up and wait until the next meal and try again. Repeat this until she eats, and he will eventually eat (within days). You may want to offer food 3x a day but she will get the point and she will not starve to death. Good luck !!
Our dog's missing a meal is harder on the owner than it is on the dog, so as hard as this may be it is better to correct now otherwise you will be watching her eat for the next 12 or so years.
2006-11-18 15:58:01 · answer #1 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Leave her with the food and set the timer for 20 - 30 minutes. If she walks away, give her one more chance to eat her food before you put it away after 20 - 30 minutes. Do not feed her until her next meal. She'll figure out when to eat, and that it will have to be by herself. Don't worry. Unlike most humans, dogs can fast a day or two. Dogs are smart. If you coddle your dog, you will have behavioral issues later.
She may follow you around because she has low self confidence. Increase her confidence with consistent training. Learning raises a dog's esteem. They need intellectual stimulation, games, and a variety of smart toys, one at a time. This is especially good for very subordinate dogs.
Finally, pups need to understand your intentions. The vocabulary you build with them increases communication.
Best wishes!
2006-11-18 16:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well dont be alarmed.. Shes just a puppy and your the closet thing to a mom that she has right now. My Cocker Spaniel and Great Danes do the samething, I think that it makes them feel safe to know that nothing can get them when you are around. So just go with the flow and if it dont change then just put her in a little pen with her food and you go out of the room where she cant see you and you do that until you think you can feed her outside the pen. Its best to put the pen where you feed her. Also put something that smells like you so she can smell your sent and still feel safe. I hope this works..... If you have any questions email me at christmas_girl06@yahoo.com.
2006-11-18 15:57:28 · answer #3 · answered by solomon's_gurl06 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a 1 1/2 year old bloodhound who still does the same thing. No big deal, as I see it. She always eats the same amount of food each day and maintains a healthy weight. That's all that's important.
I'd assume this eating habit (as well as wanting to be around you) has to do with the fact that dogs are pack animals. They prefer not to be alone.
2006-11-18 16:53:06 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey,,, you are her new Mother, and she wants to be with you for now,,, it is a bonding and you need to be apart of her life..
Remember you are the Alpha, now and treat her right,, dont give her just can food, it is bad for them, and be sure to give her her shots and heart worm pills....
You will have a buddy for a long time....
good luck
2006-11-18 16:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by eejonesaux 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Again I have to agree with a previous poster. Shepherdgirl has it right!
2006-11-18 19:01:30 · answer #6 · answered by wotana02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most likely
2006-11-19 01:38:36 · answer #7 · answered by ashley k 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋