7mos Lab not eating all her food

Question
We recently took ownership of our neighbors lab puppy that they had been keeping in a kennel for 12+ hours a day...even when they were home they would put her up or in the backyard because one of the children was scared of her.  She is an AWESOME dog, can't say that enough, Carli is just great, and was eating twice a day, but now she is barely finishing one meal a day...and I have to hand feed her to get that in her...I am getting worried.  My family, well we really love her, so much and she like my baby and like every Mama, I want to know whats wrong with my child.  Please help :)

Answer
Sometimes after being rehomed, a dog won't eat.  Normally a healthy dog will eat what it needs.  Eating problems often mean being over fed, see http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  You are continuing the same food?

Here are some things meant for younger dogs, but some of them you can do with a 7 month old:''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.