One of the best parts of the day for any dog is their mealtimes.
Most adult dogs are fed twice every day (in the morning and evening) but large breeds may receive their food in one meal each day.
The most important thing is to have a routine. Your dog will appreciate a routine, and he may even come to find you if you are late with his food!
Your dog will soon learn how to sit and wait so you can place his food bowl on the floor. It may initially help to reinforce your verbal command with a hand signal to reinforce what you are saying.
Dogs will usually eat greedily, but there can be situations where they may express less enthusiasm about their food. This can be an obvious indication that your pet is unwell.
It may be a reflection of a health problem, or a specific dental problem, which may be indicated by the dog trying to eat gingerly to avoid the pain.
It could be (especially with a shy dog) that the room is too noisy or busy. Maybe there are too many people around which is making your dog uncomfortable.
Try leaving him on his own to see if this will solve the situation.
Dogs don't tend to be as picky about their food as cats can be sometimes.
Smaller breeds in particular may not take to the change of their diet willingly. If they are expected to eat dry foods compared with canned or fresh-cooked foods, they may be more reluctant as the latter is often far more appealing to your pet.
Establishing a routine.
As your puppy grows up, the number of meals which he gets will need to be reduced and must always go through the same routine from the start, so he'll quickly learn what is expected.
This routine should be the same at every mealtime, regardless of who feeds him.
Mealtimes are also an ideal time to teach your dog basic obedience training. The reward for sitting and waiting for food.
Call him clearly by his name. This helps him to learn its name, and has an advantage of encouraging him to come to you when his name is called in future.
Prepare the food before calling your puppy, so that he doesn't have to wait, as this can cause him to misbehave and start whining.
Barking and whining should be ignored, as he may believe it has attracted your attention, and has been fed as a result of its vocalisations.
Do not place the food bowl down immediately, instruct him to sit first. This can help you to keep control and avoid aggressive behaviour.
Repeat the instruction 'sit', while the dog sits waiting for its food, before placing its bowl down.
If your dog fails to sit, do not take his food away. Instead, just put him into sit posture whilst repeating the phrase 'sit' at the same time. Then place the food down on the floor.
He will soon learn what is expected every mealtime.
Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.
You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog obedience training
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More
The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More
Anyone can put two dogs together and let them breed,... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More
Many pet owners often wonder if it's worth it to... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More
You do clean your house don't you? Well you have... Read More
1. Using tranquilizers.This is illegal in many states but other... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
The real apistogramma's come from southern America, they all have... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
My son and I have a cat. Her name is... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Breed specific legislation otherwise known as "BSL" has started to... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More
Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
It is always sad when a beloved animal family member... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
A puppy wanting to chew makes you want to scream!... Read More
Horse training can be a relatively mysterious subject to people... Read More
Just because we moved out to the country a couple... Read More
Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More
Many dog owners find themselves frustrated, deeply concerned and even... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More
Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
The Discus fish has its habitat in the South American... Read More
None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More
Pet |