[harley_quinn]

Okay, I have only had my Harley for a week, and she hasn't been a big fan of her dry dog food. I was worried she wasn't eating enough, so I bought her some wet dog food yesterday afternoon(Chicken Soup for Dog Lover's Soul). She LOVED it. I fed her half a can yesterday mixed with dry food and half a can today mixed with dry food. She gobbled it down like there was no tomorrow. I put out some dry kibble this evening and watched her sniff it and then walk away. So I prepared to open a can for dinner, that's when I thought about wetting her dry food just to see if I could trick her into eating her kibble(it had been recommended to me recently). She sniffed her water soaked food and turned away; I was discouraged. Then I lifted a piece to her face and she took a bite. Before I knew it, she was gobbling up her wet kibbles and licking the bowl clean! I was so relieved to not have to drive to the pet store again and haul home a bunch of cans. Is it okay to make her feel spoiled or should I get her to eat her food dry? Someone told me that it is a bit like me giving in, but I don't see why. She eats it dry but not enough, and I like seeing her eat even if it means I have to wet her dog food at every meal.

[Marc]

If you are okay preparing her food the way she likes it, then you should definitely be a good owner and treat your dog. There're MANY other ways your dog can show obedience and you can show dominance. You don't need to be tyrannical over her diet to add insult to injury. I'd only demand this obedience if she won't eat what you're willing to give her.

Many people go out of their way to give their dogs a special diet and find that it bonds them in a way.

[harley_quinn]

Thanks, I had no problem getting her canned dog food if that was the way to get her eating. She is just getting used to our home so I'm trying to make her comfortable. Plus I'm happy to treat her to what she wants because she makes me happy and I am glad someone else understands that. I get too many "it's a dog!" comments from some people I know haha.

[Marc]

I've heard that way too many times. "It's just a dog" will never come out of a serious pet owner's mouth. When we had one of our litters, I got a lot of flack from my wife's family because I wouldn't sell one to her sister. She offered more than my asking price, and I simply said, "I've seen how you take them to the pound when you get bored. You will NEVER have one of my puppies!"

Dogs are pets, not possessions.

[Lunareclipse]

Originally Posted by Marc

I've heard that way too many times. "It's just a dog" will never come out of a serious pet owner's mouth. When we had one of our litters, I got a lot of flack from my wife's family because I wouldn't sell one to her sister. She offered more than my asking price, and I simply said, "I've seen how you take them to the pound when you get bored. You will NEVER have one of my puppies!"

Dogs are pets, not possessions.

To some people, they are more than pets too. They are best friends and fur kids. Sometimes it's ok to spoil your dog. Just make sure it's a good kind of spoiled.

[harley_quinn]

Exactly, my boyfriend's dad offered to cut a can in half to give our pug a drink of water. I said no because I didn't want her eyes to get injured by the shredded metal because I knew she would stick her little face in. He said, "Um it's called.... it's just a dog!" I told him that she might be a dog, but he's not the one who's going to take her to the vet if she cut up her face.

I respect that you cared so much about the well-being of your pups Marc. I actually like spoiling my pug Lunareclipse