Update on the food & water play:
I’ve been able to minimize the food play by picking up the kibble dish and just offering it to him periodically during the day.
Unfortunately, I might have to do the same with his water. I’ve been using firm “no”s when he starts to play in his water, and he’s learned really quickly .... to only play in his water when no one is in the kitchen to scold him. He did it FOUR times yesterday, and I swear I had not been away from the kitchen for more than a few minutes any of those four times. Twice he was sound asleep in his bed when I left the room, and I came back to find him happily splashing in a puddle. Sigh. I’m sure this isn’t some form of separation anxiety from being deprived of my company for a few minutes. He seems to really enjoy the splashing. And also the game of tug-of-war with the towel as I clean up the mess. |