By George Spence
Given enough time, practically all dogs will develop their own eating quirks and unusual habits over the years. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs are exactly alike and it is these idiosyncratic traits that emphasize their uniqueness and individuality and make them all the more endearing to us.
However, there are some eating habits that can stand to be corrected and still others that should be discouraged outright. As intelligent as dogs typically are, they will not usually have the ability to predict the consequences of their behavior and as such they may have difficulty determining right from wrong. It is up to us then as their owners to make those decisions for them.
One of the most common eating behaviors that should be discouraged is eating too quickly. Almost all dogs are guilty of this at one time or another-even the most well behaved and well trained ones. Unfortunately this can increase the risk of choking, particularly if the food is of the dry variety. One way that you can prevent this behavior is by spreading the food out on a wide tray or a cookie sheet. This way your dog will have to gather each little bit slowly one by one. It may not be as satisfying but at least they won't choke while getting their lunch.
You can also place a large object such as a bowl, a plaything or even a ball in the middle of your dog's feeding dish. This serves the same purpose as spreading out his food, this time by making him eat slowly around the obstacle.
This method will take a little more time and effort from you, but it just may be worth it. You can train him to eat slowly by feeding him a little at a time from your hand. Keep the pace slow and relaxed, and show him that no matter how fast he gobbles up one mouthful, he will still have to wait for the next one.
Some dogs have the habit of taking small amounts of food around the house. The best way to discourage this is by feeding him at the same time everyday and cleaning up any food that is left on his plate at the end of the meal. It will also be a test of your patience, but every time this happens, you simply have to take the food back to the designated eating spot. Over time, your dog will get the message and hopefully those days of "picnicking" will be over.
Are you looking for more information about improving the diet of your dog? There is so much information around about healthy food but what will work for you and your dog?
For more free advice, tips and suggestions, visit [http://www.good-dog-food.com]Healthy Dog Diets
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com
Given enough time, practically all dogs will develop their own eating quirks and unusual habits over the years. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs are exactly alike and it is these idiosyncratic traits that emphasize their uniqueness and individuality and make them all the more endearing to us.
However, there are some eating habits that can stand to be corrected and still others that should be discouraged outright. As intelligent as dogs typically are, they will not usually have the ability to predict the consequences of their behavior and as such they may have difficulty determining right from wrong. It is up to us then as their owners to make those decisions for them.
One of the most common eating behaviors that should be discouraged is eating too quickly. Almost all dogs are guilty of this at one time or another-even the most well behaved and well trained ones. Unfortunately this can increase the risk of choking, particularly if the food is of the dry variety. One way that you can prevent this behavior is by spreading the food out on a wide tray or a cookie sheet. This way your dog will have to gather each little bit slowly one by one. It may not be as satisfying but at least they won't choke while getting their lunch.
You can also place a large object such as a bowl, a plaything or even a ball in the middle of your dog's feeding dish. This serves the same purpose as spreading out his food, this time by making him eat slowly around the obstacle.
This method will take a little more time and effort from you, but it just may be worth it. You can train him to eat slowly by feeding him a little at a time from your hand. Keep the pace slow and relaxed, and show him that no matter how fast he gobbles up one mouthful, he will still have to wait for the next one.
Some dogs have the habit of taking small amounts of food around the house. The best way to discourage this is by feeding him at the same time everyday and cleaning up any food that is left on his plate at the end of the meal. It will also be a test of your patience, but every time this happens, you simply have to take the food back to the designated eating spot. Over time, your dog will get the message and hopefully those days of "picnicking" will be over.
Are you looking for more information about improving the diet of your dog? There is so much information around about healthy food but what will work for you and your dog?
For more free advice, tips and suggestions, visit [http://www.good-dog-food.com]Healthy Dog Diets
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com
