[Acooper]

Yesterday (Christmas) we had a houseful of guests for Christmas dinner. Orson of course was present, so most of the guests gave him turkey for various tricks/commands, or just because. "It's Christmas" I thought, and he deserves a treat too and it's good food not junk.
Well this morning he turned his nose up at his kibble (chicken soup).
He is hungry and searching hi and low for food, but he won't eat his breakfast, which he normally finishes within 15-20 minutes and then goes out for # 2 potty. This is going to mess up his schedule that I worked hard to accomplish!
Should I wait him out?
He is pretty stubborn when his mind is made up and I don't want to think he is going hungry.

 

[Murreydobe]

Yesterday (Christmas) we had a houseful of guests for Christmas dinner. Orson of course was present, so most of the guests gave him turkey for various tricks/commands, or just because. "It's Christmas" I thought, and he deserves a treat too and it's good food not junk.
Well this morning he turned his nose up at his kibble (chicken soup).
He is hungry and searching hi and low for food, but he won't eat his breakfast, which he normally finishes within 15-20 minutes and then goes out for # 2 potty. This is going to mess up his schedule that I worked hard to accomplish!
Should I wait him out?
He is pretty stubborn when his mind is made up and I don't want to think he is going hungry.

You should ABSOLUTELY wait him out, don't get yourself sucked into this particular power struggle. He's not going to starve to death, and he needs to learn that if he snoozes, he loses. Pick his food up, and dont offer him anything else until his next scheduled meal.

 

[Ann]

I agree with you Murreydobe.

 

[brumwolf]

Hunger makes a good chef,he will soon find his appetite when he realises turkey is off the menu.

 

[Murreydobe]

Also, be careful about giving dogs too much of that holiday turkey! Too much fat under the skin, it can frequently give dogs pancreatitis.

 

[BackInBlack]

I agree, stick it out. I made the mistake with my boxer of giving in, and she is the biggest PITA.

 

[Acooper]

Thank you guys/girls for your advice, it's hard to think he is hungry but I know you are right. I am holding out as long as I can!

It's dinner time and he picked at a couple of bites, then he looks at me like "you expect me to eat this slop?" and then he started pacing the kitchen, sniffing towards the counters and along the cupboard line on the floor. I know he is not sick, he is playing fine and wants to eat..........he just doesn't want to eat what is in his bowl. I am giving him 15 more minutes to change his mind and eat what is in the bowl, if not..............well it's a loooong time til breakfast!

 

[BackInBlack]

Good for you. He will eat when he gets hungry. (I have to remind myself of this all the time) Also, Rommel went through a stage from about 8 or 9 months until about a month ago where he was just not eating. I mean......he ate. But not near as much as I thought he should. He just wasnt really that interested in food...I dont know if it was age or what, but he is back to eating good now. I have heard some males go though that, maybe someone else will know for sure. I guess it just varies from dog to dog. Also...do you feed alot of treats?

 

[alwayshadpets]

I hear you about the not hungry meal. Holidays are hard for schedules. Tamora is having a few not hungry meals. Food is picked up and offered at the next meal. It does work.

 

[Okie-dobie]

If I were a dog I would hold out for the turkey also.!!!

 

[Acooper]

Victory is MINE!
(I have always wanted to say that) He ate his breakfast this morning down to the last piece, and even one that was dropped on the floor! It really bothered me knowing that he went to bed hungry and honestly I was going to cave this morning, BUT HE CAVED FIRST :dancing_b

 

[PeeWeesMama]

Kudo's to you Acooper!!!!

 

[Codysmom]

way to go!! Cody used to do the same thing and after a day or so, he was back eating the way he should.

also the LAST thing you want is a counter surfer - Molly is one and you would not believe what she has gotten into. I am about ready to put barbed wire around the counter - I should probably put some on the fridge and the pantry for me, come to think of it.....LOL

cc

 

[Chaz]

Good work, Acooper!

I've always worked on the assumption "if they don't like it today, they'll love it tomorrow".