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Originally Posted by Woogie Man  I've had litters where one dog may be a little piggy and another may eat slowly. I've dealt with it by pulling the fast eater so the others get their share or, in the case of a slow eater, pulling that one so it gets a chance to eat at its own pace.
Now I realize that's not your present situation but it's a behavior acquired in the litter environment, for whatever reason. I don't think you can say it's hard-wired behavior at 13 weeks. This pup just hasn't learned to regulate itself yet.
I don't like the idea of putting a young pup on a 'diet', but here's nothing wrong with feeding him an appropriate amount for his size. He needs to eat alone at this time and not with other dogs. Also, feeding him soaked food only makes it easier to eat more and eat faster, which feeds the behavior. The kong idea suggested might be good to try or just some chew toys. He's teething at this time and really needs to work his jaws.
He is a very young dog and I think this is something that can be overcome. Of course, any continued bad behaviors would make him questionable as breeding stock. Just remember that he is a pup, and pups are like blank sheets of paper waiting to be written on. Hopefully this is just a bump in the road and things will work out well very soon with this. |
This pup was eating the food dry at first. But grabbing a mouthful of dry food and not chewing and just swallowing it--was not the answer. We thought sure he would choke. He has a bully stick, he has a couple of nylabones, and some toys. A kong is a good idea. Make him work and keep him occupied. He is just so sweet.