O/T Getting a Dog To Eat

Right now, this dog is still waiting for it's owners to return. The dog does not understand where they have gone, and fully expects it's life to return to normal.

Here is what you need to do if you want to keep the dog and make it happy.

1) Talk to the son of the previous owners. Find out what a typical day with his prior owners involved. Try to replicate that type of setting as much as is practical. Timing, lighting, sounds, etc are all very effective stimuli for dogs.

2) Spend time with the dog. Long walks...quiet moments, you both need to get to know each other. Show NO harshness with the dog and do not expose him to anyone who might do so.
Talk to him as much as you can. Reward him with praise for every little thing...going outside, doing his business, etc etc....the little miniscule things must be noticed and praised.

3) Get the dog up and around....take it out to do your chores...have him mark out your property lines....this is his territory now.

Do these things and be patient...and I think you will see a marked improvement within a week.

I would also suggest, once he comes around, getting him to the vet to make sure he doesn't have worms, twisted stomach, arthritis, etc.

Good luck.

I have been watching a new show on TV lately called "The Dog Whisperer" - National Geographic Channel. This guy is one of the best at relating to animals that I have ever seen. One of the firt things he suggests to all owners that have new animals, especially ones that are adopted, is to take them for a walk of about 45 minutes long. It gives the dog a chance to get outside in a neutral setting and then get a feel for you as an owner. The goal is to allow the dog to recognize you as the leader. All things like affection and food come after the dog becomes submissive to you.

Might not be the answer for your case but it sure seems to work for the troubled dogs and owners they feature on TV.

Very best of luck.

Good luck. Is a tough one.

Mark

I have had some luck with animals by just spending some time sitting down on the ground a little ways from them and talking quietly to them. If he will come to you and allow it, I would try a little petting. It can take awhile.

A little fresh bacon grease over his food might tempt the old boy--I think my dogs would try to eat ANYTHING with bacon grease on it! But my dogs are not grieving. Be there for him, if you can. Good luck.....

I used to care for a neighbor's dog each time they would go on vacation. With one particular vacation I was to give the dog heart medication twice daily. It was a real struggle to get the dog to eat at all, let alone to take medication.

At the end of two weeks the medication had kicked in and the dog was running around the yard like a pup. Upon their return however, she didn't want anything to do with them for awhile.

Thanks for being a good neighbor and taking the dog.

Maybe you could post this question on some of the pet specific forums on the 'net. Here's one but there are many others that can be found using a Goole search.

If you can, please get back with us and let us know how everything turned out!

• Paw Talk

The trauma has him to where he just as soon die also. Dogs can be very loyal to there owners and go through the same trauma as a person when a love one is lost.
My dog will wear the pads off his feet walking up and down the road looking for my wife if she leaves for more than a couple of days.

The movie Where The Red Fern Grows comes to mind when I read this post.

Got to go with Lucas. Don't be suprised tho if you have to put her down, only if too weak to stand.

My Lab won't eat nor drink while were not home and it don't matter how hot it is or how hungry he is.

Couple years ago I spent 8 days in the hospital and the wife stayed with me. Said my puppy didn't eat nor drink until she got home each night. He's an only child tho. :)

Along with the cloths for bedding you might try raw red meat and just let it sit until she eats. No raw chicken as most dogs don't like raw chicken.

Since the hubby & wife went I'm supprised they didn't consider there dog. Getting old sucks then add some medical problems. There's been two couples in Phoenix this year that did that.

T_Bone