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Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  He's so young it may just be the change of bowls and his still new situation that is making him dislike the bowl. I'd give him time, let him eat however he will and then try to put a special treat or cooled microwaved dog food in the bowl to entice him.
When he's not eating, having his bowl in the den or wherever he lives his life will slowly desensitize him to it and the fact of it. Put it near where you are playing with him or in your lap beside him. Put it in the middle of the den or living room floor and toss treats in it for him to get out and make a big deal if he does. Let him see you getting things out of that bowl with your teeth and laughing. Love the bowl up next to you and say "gooooood bowl". Laugh a lot when it's near you. When you take him outside, take the bowl along. Whatever he's fond of - put it in that bowl often. Make that bowl a part of his everyday existence and fill it with his favorite toys and drop his ball or chewie into it and clap and give him a treat when he fetches it out of there. Turn the bowl upside down and put toys on its bottom for him to knock off. Lay it on its side and make a trail of treats going across the floor into the side of it. Keeping that bowl around him as he goes about his day will soon find him accepting it for its sake and allow him to feel good about it. Then, when you put especially good food or a luscious treat in it, he should feel less shy about approaching and going into it. |
Thanks for all your advice!