Hey everyone, my puppy’s a little spoiled and sometimes won’t eat unless I hand-feed him. He’s healthy and hungry, but he just stares at his bowl unless I get involved. Any tips on how to break this habit? He’s a sweet boy, just a little extra sometimes. 
Sounds like your pup might have some anxiety around meal times. Do you feed him alone or with other pets?
Elijah said:
Sounds like your pup might have some anxiety around meal times. Do you feed him alone or with other pets?
I feed him at the same time as my older dog, but on opposite sides of the house since she has resource-guarding issues. Could that be why?
Elijah said:
Sounds like your pup might have some anxiety around meal times. Do you feed him alone or with other pets?
Yeah, totally could be. Maybe try feeding him in a quiet area alone to help him feel safe?
Elijah said:
Sounds like your pup might have some anxiety around meal times. Do you feed him alone or with other pets?
That makes sense, I’ll give it a try. Thanks!
Have you tried using positive reinforcement? Like tossing treats in his bowl while he’s eating?
DANIELS said:
Have you tried using positive reinforcement? Like tossing treats in his bowl while he’s eating?
Wait, toss treats in while he’s actively eating? That’s genius! Never thought of that. Thanks!!
DANIELS said:
Have you tried using positive reinforcement? Like tossing treats in his bowl while he’s eating?
Exactly! It teaches him that eating from the bowl is a good thing. He’ll love it soon enough.
DANIELS said:
Have you tried using positive reinforcement? Like tossing treats in his bowl while he’s eating?
What kind of treats though? Like his regular food or something special?
DANIELS said:
Have you tried using positive reinforcement? Like tossing treats in his bowl while he’s eating?
Something small and yummy, but not his regular food. Like soft training treats or even tiny bits of chicken.
If he doesn’t eat, don’t stress too much. Just pick up the bowl and try again later. He won’t starve himself.
Dolph said:
If he doesn’t eat, don’t stress too much. Just pick up the bowl and try again later. He won’t starve himself.
Good to know! I do worry sometimes, but yeah, he always eats eventually lol.
Does he seem anxious about eating or just stubborn? My dog was nervous at first and we did sit/stay commands before feeding.
Braint said:
Does he seem anxious about eating or just stubborn? My dog was nervous at first and we did sit/stay commands before feeding.
I think it’s a mix of both? He’s definitely a little anxious because of my older dog’s food guarding history.
Braint said:
Does he seem anxious about eating or just stubborn? My dog was nervous at first and we did sit/stay commands before feeding.
Makes sense. Try the sit/stay thing—it gives them a bit of structure and confidence around meal time.
Once you break the hand-feeding habit, he’ll probably start loving meal times. Consistency is key!
Masitsa said:
Once you break the hand-feeding habit, he’ll probably start loving meal times. Consistency is key!
Consistency is my weak point lol, but I’ll do my best. Thanks for the encouragement!