It is hard not to give in to them, isn't it? They look at you with those soulful eyes, and make you feel guilty for not giving them what they want.
My hubby also gives them treats from the table. He wouldn't listen to me about how he was overfeeding them, and risking their health, until we nearly lost our littlest Chi during a dental. She coded as soon as they put her on anesthetic. The vet said it was due to the added stress on her heart and lungs from being overweight. Hubby now watches what he gives them. Want to get your dog to eat their own food without having to throw it out because they didn't eat it? Put down the food at the desired feeding time. Give him 15 minutes to eat it. After 15 minutes, pick it up, whether they ate anything or not. If it's canned, cover it and put in fridge. At next regular meal time, repeat procedure. Give NO OTHER FOOD! No treats, no scraps, nothing! Guaranteed within a few days he will be eating what and when you want him to! Some dogs may hold out 5 days without eating. This will not hurt him. A happy, healthy dog will not starve to death if food is available. Once he is back on a proper schedule, continue to limit treats or you will be right back in the same situation. I have had to do this several times with my own dogs and with rescue foster dogs, but only when they were ill or too frightened from being in a new situation. Most were eating within 2 days; only had one hold out for 5 days. He finally realized that he wasn't going to win this battle, plus he saw all the yummy treats he was missing out on that the other dogs got! Just remember that YOU are the boss, not him. You need to be in control. It is in his best interest, for many reasons, for you to control what he eats and when. They develop many health issues from poor diet, and will live a shorter life. When tempted to give in, ask yourself what is more important, your desire to give him what he wants, or his need for a good diet and a longer, healthier life? Just as obesity and diabetes are on the rise in humans (especially kids), they are also becoming more problematic for dogs. Marlene Don't buy! Rescue! www.chihuahuarescueandreferrals.com ________________________________ From: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tue, November 9, 2010 6:16:08 AM Subject: [Chihuahuas] Digest Number 5700 Who Has To Feed Their Chi By Hand? Posted by: "Kavi" [email protected] kaviescontinued Mon Nov 8, 2010 10:31 pm (PST) Hi everyone I know, I know what some will say. If you leave the food long enough they will eat on their own. Yes, that can be true. Ricky has been eating pretty good. He is now spoiled with my hubby feeding him our food! Now he is trying to hold out. He will eat his dog food (wellness canned) IF I NOW HAND FEED IT TO HIM. He did not eat his dog food all day. I had to dump a couple servings coz it got old. so for my dinner tonight I decided to have tomato soup. and guess what Ricky had to have?? yup... Tomato soup! with bread in it. that he ate on his own. LOL any one else have to do this handfeeding or just do it because? Shanna
