Better to feed at set times?

[mercedes]

Is it better to feed a pup at set times, or just always have food laying around. I have a cat, so I dont want the cat to be into the dogs food, but i dont want my pup to get too hungry either.

[tugger5000]

Don't free feed. There was a post earlier today on NILF, http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/sho...threadid=22518 . We feed once in the morning and once at night. We make the dogs sit and wait patiently while waiting for their food and release them by saying "OK".

Our first trainer even went as far as instructing us if the dog pulls its head out of the bowl, pull the food until the next meal. We never had that problem because our pups have such a high food drive. Food is a useful motivator in training and the dogs will view you as a leader when you control the food.

[Sharon Marples]

Morning and night is best, a set amount of food each time so you know exactly how much the dog is getting. How else can you monitor its weight?

And don't worry about being on a strict schedule. Some days our dogs get fed at 6:00 am, other days they are fed at 9:00 am. Don't create a hardship for yourself by making yourself be on a strict schedule. And besides, its easier on the dog to not be on such a schedule just in case something happens and you can't follow it.

Sharon

[brunie's mom]

If this is a young pup you are getting, then the pup should be fed at least 3 times per day. They should really stay on 3 meals till they are 12-14 weeks old...many pups start losing interest in the noon meal at that age.
Put the food down for a few minutes and then pick the bowl up after a short time, till the next meal.

You will have an easier time with house training if you feed at set times...pups usually poop and pee after each meal:D

Gina

[mercedes]

Thank you all for being so helpful!

[Judi W]

It is much easier on the pup and on you to feed at regular intervals so that the pup's elimination will also be somewhat predictable. Their mother taught them to eat and then go potty. Seems a shame to waste all that mother nature training the pup comes with.