Feeding before or after formal training?

[njl]

In a couple of weeks, Jaco and I will be back in obedience class across town...

I feed him at around 8:30am (he gets a potty break as soon as i wake up), come home during lunch at around 2pm to let him out and then go back to work....i get home from work at around 5:05pm, we go for a walk for about an hour or so and then i feed him at around 6:45 or 7pm.....

Our new classes will be from 8pm till 9pm once a week.....

My concern is what time should I change his second feeding to? I really don't want him pooping in class....

I have come up with these (he's 91lbs, 13 months and on Canidae):

1) Feed 1 cup AM; 1 cup Lunch time; go to Training then feed him 2 cups after training

2) Feed 2 cups AM; 1 cup Lunch time; go to Training then feed him 1 cup after training

3) Feed 2 cups AM; 2 cups Lunch time; go to Training then nighty

keep in mind, i would initiate this routine starting next week and until the last week of training, this wouldn't just be on training days...

BTW, for treats, i use those rolls Nature's whatever meat rolls for training...

What would you guys do?

[Judi W]

My dogs eat when I feed them and when training, that means after, which might be a late as 10 or 10:30. At 13 months, twice a day is normal, no need for 3 times a day nor to be so concerned about the intervals. Some days they might even miss a meal to no detriment.

I do not like to feed before training as it dulls the mind and lowers the incentive. The dogs do just fine with less than rigid feeding schedules. The timing is important for very young puppies as it helps them to become housebroken, but your dog is well beyond that stage in life.

[Patty1231]

Rocco normally eats at 5:30 am. and 6:00 p.m. We have a pretty routine schedule during the week because I work so that doesnt change much - weekends he gets breakfast an hour or so later.

Training nights and trials I do not feed him before hand. I used to and have noticed a real improvement since I stopped. He gets plenty of training treats (beef roll and cheese) to substitute for a meal. He usually gets a big cheeseburger after trials so no problem with a missed meal there.

[njl]

Originally Posted by Judi W

My dogs eat when I feed them and when training, that means after, which might be a late as 10 or 10:30. At 13 months, twice a day is normal, no need for 3 times a day nor to be so concerned about the intervals. Some days they might even miss a meal to no detriment.

I do not like to feed before training as it dulls the mind and lowers the incentive. The dogs do just fine with less than rigid feeding schedules. The timing is important for very young puppies as it helps them to become housebroken, but your dog is well beyond that stage in life.

Thanks, Judi!

The part where you say "I do not like to feed before training as it dulls the mind and lowers the incentive" - you have me sold! Anything to help reinforce the importance of focus!

I'm soooo excited of socializing with the other dogs and continuing our formal training, Jaco and I loved Puppy Kinder' II

[LynnS]

I feed Bella after training or class (depending on what we are doing training treats may be her dinner)....

Like Judi, I dont feed my dog at the same time every day. Bella seems well adjusted without a routine schedule

[njl]

well, can i at least eat before we go train?

[Judi W]

Yes you can as long as it does not dull your senses........

I would add that you do not want to become one of the neurotic owners who "must" feed their dog at a certain hour or the dog becomes neurotic and tears the house down. Don't over-think the thing. They don't drop dead if they eat hours later or if they miss a meal completely!!!!!

[njl]

Originally Posted by Judi W

Yes you can as long as it does not dull your senses........

I would add that you do not want to become one of the neurotic owners who "must" feed their dog at a certain hour or the dog becomes neurotic and tears the house down. Don't over-think the thing. They don't drop dead if they eat hours later or if they miss a meal completely!!!!!

there have been times when Jaco will skip a meal.....i hope i'm not becoming like those people on the movie "Best in Show" with Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy



as always, thanks for the advice