I have 2 chihuahuas. 1. K - I have had for 6 years, last year I got another one B. The problem is B has turned into the alpha female and K is literally starving. K has lost 3 lbs, is listless and depressed most of the time, B is overweight! She is stealing K's food. I got B because she was abused, she's over that now and thriving......but I'm really worried about K. I got a kennel the other day, & B can stay in that, but what can I do to beef up K? Anyone have any ideas? Has this happened to you? B is considerably younger - 5 years, please help!
2007-02-15 10:03:40 · 10 answers · asked by MARY L 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If there is competition over food seperate them for feeding. If you use crates/kennels you can even feed IN them without a problem either way everyone will get their proper share. When I feed my pair I'm always present in the room and I put their bowls several feet apart so if I see one going for the others food I can correct the behavior. Alpha dog among your dogs or not YOU are the alpha of the house being the human and should feel free to correct B for trying to steal K's food. I would definately do seperation first for a bit to let K put some weight on by giving just a bit extra at each meal, don't over do it or K will be used to the extra and feel cheated when she reaches a healthy weight and you go back to her regular amount. And watch B if you feed them near each other. If she starts to act like she's going for K's bowl say no, step in her path if necessary to divert her. If all else fails remove her from the room or put HER in the kennel so she understands the behavior is not acceptable
2007-02-15 10:23:25 · answer #1 · answered by Kimberly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you'll have to structure and plan mealtimes a little more closely.
Are you leaving food out all day for them both? If so, stop that practice and begin feeding them at scheduled times, morning and evening. Feed the alpha first, in one location, then bring the other dog to a separate area or room and allow her to eat in there, with the door closed if need be.
This will send your alpha dog the message that you are in control of meal times. Another tactic would be to crate the alpha, then feed the other dog outside the crate while the alpha watches. This would teach your alpha that the other dog eats first, and he has to wait until the other is finished.
To beef up your hungry dog, try some soft treats or peanut-butter filled kongs. Dogs love the peanut butter, and the calories and fat content will help her put some weight back on. Good luck!
2007-02-15 10:20:42 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apparently B is still having some recovery issues. She must have been starved while she was being abused and now she is suffering with the thought that she will never have another meal. Try feeding them in separate dishes on opposite sides of the room and if B goes near K's food dish and growles the yell "no" at her and place her in her kennel until K is done eating.
2007-02-15 10:10:02 · answer #3 · answered by al l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you should probably take K to the vet and ask her why he/she is feeling bad. Also you should separate K and B. And feed B less food since you said he/she is getting overweight. Feed K a little bit more and start to cheer him/her up by playing with him/her. And give him/her a nice big bone or a little treat. Thats how I got my dog to cheer up.
2007-02-15 10:17:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed them separately and cut down on the amount of food the overweight dog is getting .
2007-02-15 11:26:42 · answer #5 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to feed them separately, and sit with them until they are done eating. Take the aggressive dog away when feeding the older one. That way you will actually see how much they are each eating. And make sure to give the older one a lot of love. Maybe he/she is feeling overlooked.
2007-02-15 10:09:19 · answer #6 · answered by LP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi well my dogs do the same thing . What i do is that i keep my dog who takes the food away in a room while the other dog is eating maybe that will help.Also at walmart they have a flavor sauce for dog that you can piy it on their dry dog food. they have many kinds of flavors.
2007-02-15 10:11:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Separate them at feeding time and give her a little can food too.
2007-02-15 10:07:45 · answer #8 · answered by Sandy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I AGREE WITH SANDY AND GIVE K WET FOOD EVERY DAY HER POOP WITH STINK EVEN WORST BUT IT WILL HELP HER GAIN WEIGHT AND PLAY WITH HER WHILE B IS LOCKED UP TO GIVE HER THAT EXTRA BOOST!!!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK
2007-02-15 10:18:38 · answer #9 · answered by DEEEDD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yEaH tHis hAppEn tO' mY dOgz' tOO yOU shOuld fEEd k sEpEratEly thEn b aNd aBouT tHe alPha doG stuFF i rEallY dOnt kNow!
2007-02-15 10:08:56 · answer #10 · answered by :) 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋