FAQ: Picky Eaters
I am having problems getting my dog to eat. She's such a picky eater.
I am having problems getting my dog to eat. She's such a picky eater. What can I do?
If you are having problems getting your dog to eat and/or have a picky eater here are some guidelines that have worked for us in the past. Please remember this has to be done for two weeks and I can guarantee that your picky eater will eat when you put the food down. Please remember that eating habits are usually created by humans and dogs are not naturally picky eaters. Please don't add anything to the food, such as canned food, gravy, but adding water is OK.
First put the food down and if it is not all gone in 15 minutes then pick it up and wait until the next feeding. I feed twice a day so this would mean if my dog didn't eat in the morning I would wait until that evening. If the dog doesn't eat that evening then pick up the food and wait until the morning. If you feed once a day, then again wait until the next feeding.
VERY Important to Remember: NO DOG IS GOING TO NATURALLY STARVE ITSELF TO DEATH.
This just won't happen, so don't worry about this. It is not going to hurt the dog to miss a couple of meals, but it will show the dog that he/she has to eat when you put the food down for him/her. During this time do not give any extras, such as treats. Remember you are trying to get this dog to eat when you want it and not when it wants to eat.
If you follow this I can guarantee that your dog will be eating normally within two weeks. It has worked for me in the past and I know that it will work for you if you are consistent in your feeding practices. Remember that consistency is the Key to everything with a Jack Russell.