Feeding

Question
Tammy, I need to know how many times a day should I feed her. Some say only once and keep water down for her. I just got the divider in so I hope that helps in the training. She is 6 months old and I have her on Science Diet.puppy. Is that o.k.
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Followup To

Question -
I need to ask a question about my miniature Schnauzer. She is 6 months old. I have had her since March 2006. I just got her spaded a week ago. I need to know should I leave food down for her all the time or pick it up after feeding her, because i am having trouble  with her doing #2 in her Kennel at night and doing it in the house. I take her outside often but it does no good. I would appreciate it if you might help me with this question.

Answer -
Hi Linda,
 No you shouldn't leave food down all the time.  She won't ever be on any schedule.  Infact feed her in her kennel.  Keeping her on a schedule you can pretty much count on her going #2 on schedule.  Usually about 20 to 30 mins after they eat.  Also make sure that her kennel isn't too big.  That is the most common problem that people do is getting  kennel that is too big that they poo in one corner and sleep in the other.  When I say feed her in her kennel dogs are normally denning animals and won't poo where they sleep.  
 Hope that this helps.  Let me know if you have anymore questions.
Take care,
Tammy

Answer
Hi again Linda
 You should only be feeding her twice a day.  3 times is way too much.  You can cut her food down a bit.  Since she has been spade and being a schnauzer she has 2 strikes against her.  Its not a bad thing BUT spade Schnauzers tend to pack on the weight and there is nothing worse than an over weight schnauzer.  I have to eye all my dogs.  They all get different amounts.  If one is getting a little chunky I back off for a couple days and if they seem a little slimmer I add a little more.  No set amount.  I have 2 dogs that weigh the same amount but eat totally different amounts.  One is more active than the other.  
 You can have her on puppy for another 6 months then switch her, but really not necessary.  Smaller dogs you can switch earlier than bigger dogs.  I have my 1 year old standard poodle still on puppy and will keep him on it for another 6 months.  He needs it.  My other dog I switched earlier.

 Hope this helps.  If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Tammy