Re: [Chihuahuas] Questions about feeding and routines

[marsha]

I too free feed, but I always start a puppy out of a feeding schedule and switch to free feeding once they are weaned. I think it helps them with weight control in the long run because their body learns to eat what is needed instead of gobbling up everything in fear that it may not be available later...their body learns to get it while it can. For a pup younger than 4 months, I would feed three times a day. From four months to a year or till housebreaking, I would feed twice a day. After housebreaking, I would start on the free feed if it were me.   You need to take a pup to potty within 15 minutes of eating. They should be ready by then.Older dogs can hold it longer and probably will not need to go so soon.   Marsha     ----- Original Message ----- From: Nance To: Chihuahuas@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, November 11, 2006 1:25 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Questions about feeding and routines As is with alot of you out there it seems that housetraining is an issue.......I have a few more questions to add to the issue. You talk about feeding time........I've always had pets in the past that you leave out the food and they eat when they want and Knock on wood none ever were over weight so feeding on a schedule is a new issue for me What is the average amount of food they should eat in a day?? My one problem is that if I don't leave food out for the cat be becomes distructive and starts to chew carboard........Olaf is definately THIN........but he had routinely 4 large stools everyday and if possible I think the training would be sooooooooo much easier if that number were lower.......... And how many times a day should they be feed?? How long do you roughly wait before expecting to put them in there potty spot? Thanks Nance __._,_.___ " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " SPONSORED LINKS Chihuahua Chihuahua puppies for sale Chihuahua charm Chihuahua gift Chihuahua housebreaking Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe __,_._,___