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Jennifer,
Congratulations both for you and for Coupe.
My two pyrs were both nibblers. I had the
first one, Jascha, with two other dogs - one of whom - a black lab - could and
did eat everything in sight. She developed a weight problem and was on a
diet most of her life. Jascha learned to eat because if he did not, there
was nothing for him. My new pup's breeder suggested a
similar thing for Charlie - feed him, leave the bowl down for 20 minutes,
then remove it. He will learn to eat when food is offered.
I have to admit, as a now single dog household (the others have gone on due
to old age) I let him nibble, but he does eat the largest portion of his
food immediately when it is served. Just be careful for the other dogs
weight if you do allow nibbling. I was never successful at feeding three
dogs in three different locations. I got all three to wait for meals and
served them in order but if one walked away from the bowl early, the next would
jump in to finish.
Also, you have a lot of training opportunities,
give him good treats or biscuits that will count in his calorie intake.
The SPCA classes I take Charlie to, recommends not feeding the dog before class
and bringing the equivalent of dinner in good snacks (the usual kibble mixed
with cheese or hotdogs, the kibble absorbs the taste). This is easier for
a miniature whatever than a pyr but you get the idea. A hungry dog is more
likely to perform for treats and a pyr is just stubborn enough that the extra
edge helps you get his attention.
Many others will argue the finer points of the
food, but as long as it is a good quality large breed food, it is probably
ok. Did the Vet give a reason? Did his dog do better on one?
Does he sell the other? Charlie eats the Eukanuba. But who knows,
maybe a change in food will perk up Coupe's appetite and he will eat
more. Playing with two large dogs will get him eating more
too!
Feed him as much as he eats, you can't
force him to eat more and it might cause worse problems if you try. My
breeder suggested adding a bit of cottage cheese to Charlie's kibble a few times
a week. I add some canned food or some appropriate leftovers at
dinner but only in his bowl, never from the table or while I am standing in the
kitchen. I try to feed him just before dinner and if he stays away from
the table, a leftover treat in the bowl after we finish. I have heard that
the extras will keep the dog from eating the kibble but if Charlie is hungry he
eats it all up.
I believe that an all soft food diet is bad for
their teeth because the stuff sticks to their teeth and forms placque
so don't add soup and let the kibble absorb it too often. You
can brush his teeth - really not so difficult - or give
him tough rubber toys to clean them up. Kongs work well
and will last through the puppy chew stages. Coupe will be
approaching time to shed the puppy teeth and get big dog teeth so you will need
many chew toys anyway.
Have fun! Amy
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