I don't free feed. Ever since we got Logan we've fed him three meals a day. He gets fed at 7:30, 12:00, and 5:00. The feeding schedule really helps us with potty training because since he gets fed the same time everyday he poops the same time everyday. However, 6.5 hours may be a little long to leave a pup that young without food. However, our little guy just naps in his playpen the whole time we're gone which i'm sure is what your's does.
__________________  Ponyup Mom to LOGAN  |