Actually, he’s closer to 40 lbs. According to the Pedigree website, you should feed the dog 1/2 – 3/4 can per 10 lb of dog, so 2 cans is about right. We tried to mix in a little dry food tonight, but naturally he just ate around it. He also turned up his nose at the treat biscuit we offered him. If I didn’t know better I’d wonder about his teeth and maybe some sensitivity there, except that he pulls on his rope toy just fine. I’ve got an appointment with the vet at 4:30 on Wednesday for a full check-up, and we’re going to discuss diet and such then.

Oh, and Buddy gets no human food, from the table or anywhere else! We don’t want to screw up his diet, and deal with the repercussions! (Also, begging at the table is a MAJOR no-no for us.)

This worked very well for me. I line up my dog’s feeding times with my comings and going, and put the bowl of food in the back of the crate when I’m ready to leave, which he happily bounces into and munches on.

-The first 30 days are the real trial. If there is any behavioral wonkiness, it’ll work out after the first month.

-Of the folks I know who let their pups on the furniture, most wish they hadn’t but it was too late to turn back. Ladybug is a floor dog, and we’ll come down to her level for play and attention. We do make sure there is something soft for her from super fluffy $20 dogbeds from Costco, to just a carpet in the kitchen by the back door.

-Routine is your friend. Alan used to say, I offered to let her out in the morning but she didn’t want to go. That’s because in the morning she gets fed and then goes out back.

-I see my neighborhood in a whole different light now that I walk a dog through it. I see the trash, the distractions, the lighting, etc.

Best of luck with Buddy. I’m so happy for you guys!

No personal experience in this, but I’ve also heard that feeding a dog in the crate will help it associate it with Good Stuff.

Buuuut if he’s already crate trained I wouldn’t bother. With my sister’s dog it was mostly a matter of establishing a routine. (Owner leaves, dog goes in kennel and gets treat. Owner returns, dog comes out of kennel. All like clockwork.)

You’re probably right about the crate. I scrubbed it out, but from a dog’s point of view that probably just added the stink of soap on top of all the other scents. I put the blanket that he slept on last night in there with him, so hopefully that helps.

So glad to hear he’s doing well. 😀