Food and TV Fascination

[COBRA]

I am the owner of an 8 1/2 yr old Rotti. I have 2 main problems with him. The main one being food. He is slightly over weight but actually now he is thinning out finally. I feed him 4 cups of food daily, 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups in the evening. His whole life seems to revolve around food. Ever since he was a pup food weather it be meals, scraps, garbage, or treats controls his mind. He always seems hungry. He can eat and then turn around and stare at you eating and beg for food. He has never been a dog that could be open fed. If food was left down all the time he would eat until he burst. Is there anything I can do about his appitite? Maybe a certain food type or something?
The second problem is TV. He developed an obsesion with it at about 2 yrs old. He cant get enough of it. If he hears the TV get turned on, he runs in to watch it. He gets all excited and makes watching it almost impossible. I have tried putting him in another room while we watch TV, but he moans and whines so loud you cant even hear it. Any suggestions?

[Patty1231]

As far as the food goes, I don't know what kind you're feeding but would say if he's gaining weight it's too much. Reduce the amount and add green beans or plain pumpkin for filler. He's not still hungry, he's just a mooch. My two would eat 24/7 if I let them. If you feed him between meals, you're encouraging the behavior.

As far as the TV goes, I don't know what to tell you if he's being doing this already for 6 years. Maybe someone will have some help for you there.

Good luck - and happy new year!

[Judi W]

Get a thyroid check done. If that is faulty, medicate. If not, reduce the food and up the exercise.

The food and TV focus is probably a result of nothing better to occupy his mind. He is not too old to do formal obedience and learn some new things to think about.