Feeding Time

Question
QUESTION: My family and I got a puppy two months ago, from a litter of puppies that belonged to a friend of a friend. He is a mini schnauzer and west highland terrier mix. When it comes to feeding time he eats as if he hasn't eaten in months or we got him from people that didn't feed him. I've increased the amount (for the day) just a little bit, but I fear of increasing it too much for his type of breed. I've also tried getting him to sit and stay while I put the bowl down. But the second I move my bowl hand to put it down, he rushes to the food. How can I get him to be more calmer at feeding time, and realize he's part of the family now and will never go with out food?

ANSWER: Christine,

I just have a couple of quick questions to help me answer your's.

- How old is your puppy now?
- Have you been given any indication that the puppy is overweight?
- Has the puppy had a vet check / deworming?

Once I have these additional details, I will be happy to offer some suggestions.

Best,

Tracie Fowler
Triangle Pet Supply
www.TrianglePet.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He is now three and a half months olds. I have not been told he's overweight. In fact the vet says he looks very healthy. And yes, he has had his first shots at 8 weeks old. And he got his second set of shots at 12 weeks. Both visits he received the dewormer.

Answer
I wouldn't worry too much about his gusto for food at such a young age. I would increase his feedings to 3 times a day (divide his total food for the day into 3 meals) so that he isn't going as long between meals. This should help with his hunger and therefore lessen how ravenous he acts at each meal. Be sure you don't stress about this or watch over him like a hawk when he eats because he can sense stress and your behavior can make him anxious, which will cause him to feel like he needs to eat as fast as possible. Just calmly set the bowl down and leave him to his meal. Once he is a bit older and you have a solid stay/wait command, you should be able to have him sit and wait for his food until you tell him he can eat but right now it is more important that feeding not be stressful while he gets old enough to learn manners.

I hope this helps with your little guy!

Best,

Tracie Fowler
Triangle Pet Supply
www.TrianglePet.com