You have probably experienced the routine of watching your dog while he or she looks at the food dish and then gives you that expression which is meant to say "Am I supposed to eat that?" It's during these times that you may be hands up in the air and wondering what to do.
This is a very common problem and it's happening all over the place. And the real problem is that most people are whipped by their dog. You know what I mean...Your dog knows that if he or she is patient enough, sooner or later, something that they really want will show up instead. And that's what the problem is. Now the owner is happy and the dog is full and the dogs won the battle. Many owners are quite serious about their dogs habits which can lead to feeding food that is not healthy for your dog, let alone humans.
Once you give in once to your dog, he or she will keep on using their tactic until things are bad and you are feeding them the unhealthy food all the time. And if you think it's going to change in time, think again. It only gets worse. This type of behavior needs to be started before it starts. Besides, who is the Alpha dog here anyhow – YOU or the dog?
Owners of picky eaters are constantly trying different things to get their dog to eat. This will result in your dog holding out to see if anything better is going to being offered. But this constant change in diet brings it's own set of issues.
Constantly changing your dogs diet causes digestive upsets for your dog. So diet changes need to be done gradually in most cases. Try adding a small amount of new food to the current food and slowly increase the new food while decreasing the old food.
But the issues at hand is NOT catering to a fussy eater – so changing foods constantly isn't going to help anything.
Have you found yourself purchasing all of the pet store's food, (canned and dry) to let your dog figure out what he likes. This may not be the best plan, because if he says no, no, no, then you will be running out and trying to find something better - again.
What can you do?
The basic rule of thumb is if that any dog which gets hungry enough WILL eat no matter what is in the bowl. Have patience and ye shall be rewarded. Don't hover, plead, cajole, hand feed, or change the food. Just leave it in the bowl and ------- WAIT!
Establish Regular Feeding Times and Stick with Them
The value of having your dog on a timetable and on a regular dog diet can't be over emphasized. Dogs thrive on routine, and besides, if you don't establish a routine and stick to it, your dog will implement one himself. Dogs without routines and a "pack leader" take over the roles themselves and you won't like the consequences.
If you feed regularly at the same time (or close to it) daily then when the food hits the floor then your dog will be there to eat it – and will in fact learn to anticipate being fed. If you never thought dogs (or other animals) could tell time, try missing your regular feeding time one day.
Here is the most effective thing to do when you feed a finicky dog. Feed at the regular time and if they do not eat the food within 15 minutes, you take the bowl up and put the food back in the fridge. The next time that bowl comes out and goes down on the floor is the second feeding of the day. Period! Watch how fast your dog catches on to the fact if he doesn't eat when the food is there, it's GONE.
If your pal is getting adequate amounts of a palatable and nutritious food two times a day, you have fulfilled your responsibilities as far as feeding is concerned. Don’t let doggie involve you in a battle of wills like a spoiled child who won't go to bed without first having ice cream. That food dish is YOUR domain!
Sharda Baker has published several dog ebook and audios, including the internet best selling "Complete Guide to Your Dog's Nutrition".
Visit the link below now for Sharda's Special Free Dog Food Report.
dogsfooddangers.com
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