I need some advice about one of my yorkie’s recent behavior: I adopted him roughly a year ago with my boyfriend and although it was my idea and I’ve always wanted an adorable little teacup puppy, Bruiser took an immediate liking to my boyfriend. He seemed like a happy puppy but he always ignored me—I tried everything to get him to like me (constantly tried to play with him, take him to dog parks, take him for walks throughout the day etc.) Well about a month ago we broke up and he moved out. Bruiser still lives with me but has been noticeably depressed and refuses to eat. I’ve taken him to the vet and they keep telling me to try different dog foods but he still won’t eat them. He doesn’t respond when I try to play with him either. I am very worried about his health and mental state--- does anyone have ANY suggestions about what I should do?

PS I received a lot of messages about one of my previous posts concerning a carpet cleaner I used called Get Serious… some of you wanted to know more: to answer a few of your questions (based on my knowledge as someone who has been using this cleaner for awhile) Its not an enzymatic cleaner (like natures miracle), which basically means its really safe for people with allergies (like me!!). The other difference between these two cleaners is Get Serious completely removes any trace of Pheromone- This is the first cleaner I have encountered that could do this (ones that “neutralize” the pheromone really just cover it up- my puppies have always ended up feeling the need to re-mark their territory after I’ve used a neutralizer). Also the reason why I wanted to spread the word about this is because pet owners are using toxic and non biodegradable cleaners- BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT and for our animals! If anyone wants more info head over to Petsmart’s website- they can probably be of more help then me! I hope this answered some of your questions! Glad I could help!

Do dogs grieve? Yes.
Do dogs grieve for long periods of time? No.

Pick a good quality dogfood and stick with it. Do not free feed. Put the food down, leave it for 20 minutes, and pick up anything not touched. No food, no treats until the next scheduled feeding time. PERIOD. No sweet talking him. No handfeeding him. No sympathy. That dog is smoozing you big time. You are the one living in the past, not the dog. Unlike cats, dogs will not starve themselves to death because they don't like a food--remember, they are garbage eaters by heritage.

Stop begging the dog to love you. You have made it lead dog. Reclaim your position as pack leader.

Make the dog earn everything -- NILIF. Want to eat? Sit/Stay. Want a treat? down/stay. Want on the sofa? perform a command. Want affection? ditto. Get the idea? Nothing In Life Is Free. You hold all the cards. The dog has to earn what it wants.