He just won't eat what I put in his bowl. Yes, I slowly but surely gave him the habit of having some of "my food" and now he snubbs his own. I tried to give him no more but he did'nt eat the dog food for 48 hrs and I felt he would "starve" and gave in. Is there a way to get him back to the right food?
2007-02-15 10:34:56 · 12 answers · asked by zd_sr1 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
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 add to the food or give extras to your dog; he 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 he does not eat pick it up and wait until the next meal and try again. Repeat this until he eats, and he will eventually eat (within days). You may want to offer food 2x a day but he will get the point and he will not starve to death. Good luck !!
The 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 have a picky eater for the rest of his years.
2007-02-15 10:47:53 · answer #1 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Be more stubborn then the dog!
A dog will not starve itself! Stop feeding table scraps and get your dog on a well-rounded, healthy diet like Wellness, natural Balance, Innova, or Canidae (You won't find these foods in your local Target or grocery store. These companies spend their money on quality ingredients, not advertising. Check them out online or at PetSmart of Petco if you have either store near you). Avoid foods with corn, wheat, soy and by-products.
When you are eating train the dog to stay in another room, nevfer feed the dog before you eat (this reinforces that YOU are the alpha) and stick to your guns!
Remember, your dog will not starve itself! It may get to the point that it throws up a little stomach acid (this is because the stomach acid has no food to digest) but that is normal if the dog hasn't eaten regularly.
It's a dog, you're a human.....YOU make the rules!
2007-02-15 10:48:31 · answer #2 · answered by KJ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs will eat when there hungry,your dog is crafty and knows that if he dont touch his food you will reward him with some of your tasty food.Im afraid to get him back to eating his own food,your going to have to give a little tough love.Dont feed him any of your food,leave his bowl down with a good quality dog food in.Beleive me he will eat when he's hungry enough,but he knows how to get his way.If people are going to feed scraps of human food,it should always be put in the dogs bowl with there dog food,never from tables etc,it also shouldn't be a daily habit,just a treat now and again.
2007-02-15 10:41:53 · answer #3 · answered by Heavenly20 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put some of your food with the dog food you want your dog to eat and then every time you feed him add less of your food and more dog food if this doesn't work leave dry dog food down and when you eat put the dog into another room.don't feel sorry for the dog dogs are scavengers a dog will not starve its self.whats happening is your dog has you rapped round his little paw! he knows you will give in and give him what he wants be strong and retrain him,what i do to stop my dogs from begging is i will give them a treat after i have eaten if they do not sit and beg this does work my dogs don't beg but the main thing is when you have got your dog back to eating dog food don't give him scraps again or you will be back to square one.good luck
2007-02-15 12:36:29 · answer #4 · answered by catsfoot 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He will eat when he is hungry. Do not give him anymore people food either. This only encourages bad behavior such as not eating his food, sneaking food off the counters, or even begging. It's not healthy either. You may feel bad but don't. You are providing your dog with food and if he decides not to eat that is not your fault. Do not put wet food in either because he will start to expect that as well. Wet food contributes to tartar and plaque build-up were dry food helps scrape it off the teeth.
2007-02-15 10:46:58 · answer #5 · answered by al l 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend that you call some of your local pet supply stores and see if they carry Merrick Pet Products, they make both kibble and can. I would purchase the kibble and some cans and put mostly kibble down with a tablespoon or two of the can. You may be surprised at the results. Good Luck
2007-02-15 11:28:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop giving him table scraps. Give him his dog food and leave it at that. If he doesn't eat, at least change it daily to keep it fresh - he will eat it when he's hungry enough, he just had to admit to himself that he won't be getting anymore junk.
2007-02-15 10:43:33 · answer #7 · answered by margarita 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I occasionally change my dogs diet and he can pull his nose up at it. I have seen him leave it for a full day and what I tend to do is place a little of our left overs on top of his food. He either does not notice the difference as he eats is so quickly then or he has given up because he knows I wont give in. It works, I change his diet to give him a break as I feel sorry for him when it is not even needed..............dogs eh!
2007-02-15 10:41:09 · answer #8 · answered by deep in thought 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Think of it like giving up smoking! Trying to make him go "cold turkey" ain't going to work, my friend. You have to give him a little bit less human food each day and a little bit more dog food. But an occasional treat won't hurt. Also try different brand or type of dog food.
2007-02-15 10:46:04 · answer #9 · answered by mad_mick001 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
the dog will not starve itself,,, put the dog food down ,, if he snubs it pick it up til morning,,, offer same bowl of kibble at breakfast,, if he snubs it,, pick it up and do not feed again till dinner,,,,,,, no treats, snacks,, etc,, in between ,,, he WILL eat...... it is up to you,,, feed a premium food,,, try CANIDAE or TIMBERWOLF or CHICKEN SOUP FOR DOG etc..
2007-02-15 11:26:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋