This is killing me! I have a 7 yr old German Sheppard that I adore, even when I bought it for my daughter I am the one who usually feeds, bathe, fills his water plate, etc.
Now is just my 22 yr daughter and me, I noticed almost a year ago, that when I serve his food he eats almost half plate and doesn't eat the rest, or doesn't eat anything sometimes, and when my daughter serves him he finishes almost immediately.
My daughter is leaving for the university in 3 weeks, what's going to happen? Why is he doing this? Doesn't he love me? She doesn't play or give him more attention than I do. Have no clue about this behavior, I'm sad and worried that he doesn't love me and now that we will be alone he will not eat properly.
The dog is not inside the house, he lives in the outside patio, our land is very big, so he has a lot of space to exercise.
Any insights on this?
2007-09-03 19:16:13 · 7 answers · asked by Dhyana 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Quite the contrary he loves you more. Eating all his food is a sign of dominance while the food he leaves over when you feed him is meant for you. Dogs are pack animals and will reserve food for those pack members they respect more. Since you were the one who usually feeds him he has a higher respect for you and reserves a portion of his food for you.
2007-09-03 19:22:58 · answer #1 · answered by al l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't take this so personally.
Animals have their own set of rules when it comes to this kind of behavior. That's just the way it is. Being as young as your daughter is, I'm sure the dog doesn't see your daughter as much as you. I'm only guessing here ... I mean no offense.
As smart as our animals are, he may be playing games between you and your daughter. This may make his life a little less boring. Even some of the things we do can get boring. So we find ways to make it less boring.
It has nothing to do with "loves me, loves me not" so stop with the love thing.
When your daughter goes off the college, of course the dog with miss her. He will also adjust right along with you.
If the dogs sticks to it's food routine, go with it. If he continues to eat only half the food, just make sure to give the dog more food. The dog will not starve even it he misses a meal now and then. He has proven that already.
After your daughter's gone off to college, spend more cuddle/time with the dog. There's no reason you couldn't baby the dog even more than he (obviously) is now.
So don't worry, worry, worry. The dog's devoted to the both of you as he always has been.
2007-09-03 19:59:18 · answer #2 · answered by Eagles Fly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first girl. He loves you more.
He will be sad though when she leaves. You'll notice this. Dogs can feel when change is in the air. They can feel the different attitudes you give off. When she leaves act sincerly happy for your dog if nothing else.
Bring your dog inside if posible. That would make him ten times more happier to be with you whenever he wants. You can be each others comfortor when she leaves. You'll be happier and so will your dog.
2007-09-03 19:31:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Oh honey, don't fret so. Of course he loves you. Just like children he takes you for granted. Your daughter probably doesn't show him the attention that she once did now that she has grown up. So, when he gets fed by her, he gets excited. He misses her. But, don't you think for a min. that he doesn't know that YOU are his "mommy". He won't starve. You and he will be just fine. I've been there.
2007-09-03 19:27:05 · answer #4 · answered by manypets2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was having the same problem with my Bholoo,a German Shepherd. My vet told me that this intelligent breed is its own doctor and will not eat more than what is required.So you need not worry at all.
2007-09-03 19:37:16 · answer #5 · answered by yogeshwargarg 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first answerer. He is giving you a share of what he has, it's in his nature to show appreciation and give to others that do that to him.
Another possiblity, that i doubt after you've described your daughters behavior, is that he wants her to feed him since he senses she is leaving and he wants her around more...
2007-09-03 19:30:34 · answer #6 · answered by ██████████ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
serve half the dogs normal food, I;ll bet the dog is fat If he gets hungery he will let you know.
2007-09-03 19:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by crengle60 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋