DEAR JOAN: My dear little terrier, who is 12 years of ages, is the most well-behaved dog that I have actually ever had. He appears to be rather healthy, however his consuming and drinking practices are a little odd.
He is on a diet plan of excellent dry food. I refill his food and water bowls, situated in the kitchen area, whenever they are empty or near empty. Frequently he will consume his food, when I take a seat for a meal, however not constantly. Mainly he munches on his food throughout the day.
I never ever feed him food from the table, and he never ever pleads from me. He does ask from other individuals if they exist, since he has actually found out that in some cases they will feed him. His habits in this regard is simply what I would anticipate.
When I am chosen a number of hours, Dexter is put outdoors on my deck. He does not have a “doggy door.” I do reside in a really temperate environment, and I constantly handle to get him inside when it rains or ends up being really hot.
While I put water and kibble on the deck for him while I am gone, he never ever consumes or consumes throughout my lack. When I get home, he frequently acts really thirsty and will wait on me to bring his meals inside prior to he will consume or consume. This problems me, since I am frequently chosen a number of hours, and I do not believe it benefits him to end up being so thirsty.
Have I in some method “trained” him not to consume or consume on the deck? Whatever concepts that you may have would be considerably valued.
Margo, Scotts Valley
DEAR MARGO: Although this is triggering you tension, it’s not uncommon for a dog to act in this manner.
There are a couple of factors to describe Dexter’s abstaining. A lot of pet dogs choose to consume with others. It’s that pack animal mindset, which is why he’ll frequently devour when you take a seat to your own supper. He likes business.
By putting him outside, even for a brief time, he may be experiencing separation stress and anxiety. His focus is on missing you, not on consuming or drinking.
Some pet dogs likewise go on alert when they’re outdoors. They take their functions as protector of house and hearth seriously, and a dog on guard task will not be snacking or lapping.
It might likewise be that Dexter is having excessive enjoyable when he’s outdoors to be troubled with anything else.