New Maltese

Question
I just received my new Maltese about 2 days ago. I am very excited about having him. He is a year old and has has puppies. However, I have some concerns. My dog started off not eating at all due to the fact that he was fed table scraps. Luckily, he began eating some pieces of dog food today! He is also very hairy. His hair is matted and looks as though it was never kept clean. I just need some great advice about taking good care of this dog. He wasn't taken good care of by his previous owner. I want to make sure he is happy and healthy.

Thanks

Answer
While I am trained and experienced with dogs that don't eat, I suggest looking elsewhere on the grooming, either a local professional, or check the other experts profiles here, look for ones with grooming experience.  Nobody knows everything, and the most reliable answers come from those willing to pass on their weak areas.  With Labs you just brush, brush, brush to cope with shedding.  I seldom even give mine baths.  

Table scraps are bad, and the problem may be compounded by over feeding.  If the dog never did eat very well, and has seen the vet, you may be over feeding it. A vet check still won't hurt. Many dogs will snarf down more than is good for them and look for more. Others refuse to eat more than than they need. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.

The worst thing you can do is to bribe a dog with rich foods into eating more than it needs. Instead, Put down the dish with what the dog should eat, and give it 15 minutes to eat. Then take it up. Do not give it anything to eat until its next scheduled meal. In a few days, it should be eating what it needs. Continue to check its ribs and adjust the food as needed. This is not easy. I had a Shepherd go 3 days on a few nibbles. I was a wreck, but she was fine. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog not to eat what it needs. Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is less than the package says, and less than the owner thinks the dog should have. Many dogs are quite good at holding out for tastier chow. Like kids, sometimes it calls for tough love.