Are they over weight?

mbfrench said:
Humm..well since I do not know the lay out of your home,it is difficult for me to say "where" to put the dogs.
Are the chihuahua's food agressive? Do they bowl surf? If not,then I would put those two dogs either in another bedroom,bathroom,

I would be looking at "where can I use a baby gate" as this could solve your problems.

Put Emma in your bedroom,after a day or two of the confusion,she will get the hint that this is meal time,and we best not be wasteing alot of time. 15 minutes down,if no eating,take it back up. Do not offer her another meal until next meal time. Again 15 minutes...

The Chi's are the most difficult,as they often take food out of thier bowls,wander,nibble..etc. I took care of my son's chi's for 9 days. I knew one was food agressive....so out came a small x-pen.

One went there,the other was allowed to be out (but still in same room)..if they did not eat in 15 minutes,the bowls went away. Not the routine my son & DIL had...but I have other dogs,and I was not letting the finicky routine of these spoiled dogs,upset my home. It is what it is~

Using boiled chicken,veggies,rice,unless you are really versed on this type of feeding,I do not believe other than short term use should it be used. I don't believe they will get all of what they need to sustain themselves.
Its good while they are sick etc..but I think you will find they will not get enough.
Now..there are folks on here,that do cook for thier dogs,or feed raw etc..they will indeed be able to help you out,more than I.

As far as the opened can of pumpkin,I freeze the opened can,and put in ice cube trays. Take out as many cubes as one would need,either defrost a few seconds,or let it thaw in bowl. That way you are not wasting pumpkin.

I have hand fed at times,here but it is usually when one is off or not feeling well. I simply cannot devote sitting on floor to hand feed a dog,but I have if they have been sick. Sitting with them,say if you are putting Emma in your bedroom..I would maybe wander about,fold laundry,straighten up your bedroom..etc.talk to her,and praise her when she is nibbling on her food. She will soon learn that it is "acceptable" to eat while you are there,and learn that meal times are for eating,and not for ignoring what is that dish.

(I know I might sound harsh) but I simply do not cater to my guys here,unless it is needed. Its simply my way..or they don't eat. Unless they are sickor recovering from illness,surgery etc...thats a whole differant ball game.

Remember...you are in control.Letting it get exhausting,overwhelming is only going to let that 4C free feed option look better to you.

Take a good look at your home,decide where you can put a baby gate. OR...do the easiest,and invest in 2 crates,,,and use them for feeding. That's my solution.Easy peesy..no fuss..no worries.

They will associate that crate with good things. (food)..Plus you may find one of those shelties one day all curled up in its "den" taking a siesta!
Click to expand...

My home is fairly small (at least I think it is); Ranch style. The layout of the house is the problem, it stinks LOL Kitchen is isle, if frig, dishwasher or oven is open, forget it...no one can pass through.
No, the Chi's are not food aggressive but they do graze. I do have a baby gate and a heavier swing gate. EMMA can plow that thing right down!! She does not like to be where I am not (yes, that drives me nuts).

I assume the pumpkin is OK in the can in the frig for at least a week? I love the ice cube idea!! Emma and Phoebe (one of the Chi's) LOVES the pumpkin!! Noelle (Sheltie) and Lucy (the other Chi) snub it and will not eat the food with pumpkin on it OR green beans, banana's or anything so far (she is being stubborn)....needless to say I have wasted some food so far figuring this out!

Had to hand feed Noelle again today because I cannot figure out where to put everyone?? And she will not eat otherwise; but she may have to go hungry soon cause I am not going to continue to hand feed her. I will figure it out!! I like the crate idea but have NO idea where to put them...no room in this small house for 4 crates; or if I do 2 crates, who do I use them for, the Chi's or Shelties? (what size?) Hummm...

Yes I am frustrated and NO No No...you are not being harsh; this had got to be done or I will have to resort to what we talked about but I want to try everything I can first. OH...Emma is back to eating my throw rugs and bed skirt again!! Bed skirt was beautiful.....now knawel and shred marks all down one side.

Sorry for hijacking the thread topic....I do appreciate your advice!!
 
Emma said:
My home is fairly small (at least I think it is); Ranch style. The layout of the house is the problem, it stinks LOL Kitchen is isle, if frig, dishwasher or oven is open, forget it...no one can pass through.
No, the Chi's are not food aggressive but they do graze. I do have a baby gate and a heavier swing gate. EMMA can plow that thing right down!! She does not like to be where I am not (yes, that drives me nuts).

I assume the pumpkin is OK in the can in the frig for at least a week? I love the ice cube idea!! Emma and Phoebe (one of the Chi's) LOVES the pumpkin!! Noelle (Sheltie) and Lucy (the other Chi) snub it and will not eat the food with pumpkin on it OR green beans, banana's or anything so far (she is being stubborn)....needless to say I have wasted some food so far figuring this out!

Had to hand feed Noelle again today because I cannot figure out where to put everyone?? And she will not eat otherwise; but she may have to go hungry soon cause I am not going to continue to hand feed her. I will figure it out!! I like the crate idea but have NO idea where to put them...no room in this small house for 4 crates; or if I do 2 crates, who do I use them for, the Chi's or Shelties? (what size?) Hummm...

Yes I am frustrated and NO No No...you are not being harsh; this had got to be done or I will have to resort to what we talked about but I want to try everything I can first. OH...Emma is back to eating my throw rugs and bed skirt again!! Bed skirt was beautiful.....now knawel and shred marks all down one side.

Sorry for hijacking the thread topic....I do appreciate your advice!!
Click to expand...

my house is also a ranch- no one eats in the kitchen anymore- crates (and there are 4- even though I only have 2 dogs currently) are lined up right next to the entertainment center. I'm sure that you can find a place to put some crates- those professional show dog people stack crates so you can always try that...................
 
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