Feeding Schedule...or constant access to food?

[klausy]

Thank you all for your help! It's greatly appreciated! How about feeding? How important is it to keep him on a strict feeding scedule? He seems to want to eat all of the time. Especially at 3am or so when we let him out. He also likes to chew on and eat sticks... is this something I should not allow?? And this "puppy biting" thing... I've read about bite inhibition etc... he's learned not to bite hard, but it is obviously annoying. He's always knawing at our feet and hands. Normal? Go away with age/training? It just seems like we are constantly saying "NO". He learns very quick... he knows his name and can sit when his "puppy attention span" is intact. But still the consistant biting etc... Again, lots of questions and we THANK you all VERY much! Thanks again!

[Storm]

Hi there, providing set meals, depending on the dog's age, not only enables you to monitor the dogs consumption but also enables you to notice when the dog is not eating it's food properly and may be sick. Feeding set meals also reinstates the fact that you are the "boss" and the dog soon realizes where it's source of food comes from. The famous chewing stage, I am sure dreaded by most dog owners, sure this is normal for growing puppies, provide him with suitable toys which he is allowed to chew so that when he chews something that he is not meant to, he may be gently corrected, provided with an article which he may chew and praised in doing so. As with my male Rottie, they should soon "catch on" as to what is and what is not theirs to chew. It also allows a more positive approach as when the dog is told "NO" he is able to re-direct this "chewing" elsewhere and praised in doing so.

Regards

[rottmommie]

I think that regular feeding schedules also helps with potty training schedules!!! Mine goes to potty about a half hour after eating, I know this and plan accordingly!

[Dogfolks]

Hi Klausy,

your post did not mention a feeding schedule...but to refer back to the title of your post....There are many, many good reasons for a feeding schedule (not the least is controlling the amount consumed) and I can think of no good reason to feed upon demand except that it is the easiest method for the owner.

For us the feeding schedule is a integral part of the training process with our baby. Sit, Stay (with drool all over LOL) etc. and I think it is very important for a dominant breed to believe that all sustenance comes from you...not from out of the bowl