I received a dog/puppy from a person who wasn't taking very good care of here, She refuses to eat dry food, she will only eat fresh meat or canned meat chunks, I've been feeding her porkribs with her dry food, but it's not working so well. Do you know how I can get her to eat dry food?

You may not realize it, but failing to feed a dry dog chow and little else was part of the improper care. Even the cheapest commercial dog foods are tested to assure most dogs will thrive on them. Fixing this problem will be much harder on you than the dog. Look at its teeth. Your dog/puppy is old enough to be better off with adult chow if it has a uniform set of adult teeth, or mostly adult teeth. Otherwise stick to a puppy chow for a month or 2.

It is hard on the owner when the dog doesn't eat. Most healthy dogs that don't eat, are over weight. Even young puppies should have a waist. If you can't see the ribs, there isn't a problem. For a good guide to a healthy, lean dog, go to http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292. There was a recent study confirming lean dogs live longer.

I would continue with the dry food you are feeding now. Until, again most of the puppy teeth are gone, feed 3 times a day. After that, 2 meals a day and in another couple of months you can cut back to once a day if you want to. In the morning, put down a half or third of what the package says. Maybe for a few day include some of the pork. Take up what isn't eaten in 15 minutes. Go through the same thing each of the meals. This will be tough if the dog doesn't eat or only picks at it. Two years ago, I had a German Shepherd puppy go 3 days without eating, but we both survived. With some dogs you may have to live with the ribs showing slightly. Cut out all the pork fairly soon. It isn't that good for the dogs. In a few days, the dog should start eating better. Watch its weight and adjust how much you are feeding to maintain the proper lean body. In addition to the link above, your vet can help you judge.

The vet does need to see the dog. As long as it is healthy, any missed shots are no problem. Actually many of the early shots don't do that much good due to the mother's immunity that was passed on. The dog also needs a heartworm check and preventative. Vet care is essential. There are so many things that are common now that didn't even exist years ago. Fleas are worse than ever too. But there are some great remedies available now.

Obedience train the dog. Sitting on command isn't that important, but bonding with the dog and providing proper structure to your relationship is. The
Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their
Own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack
Members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by
Reading some books or going to a good obedience class. Start at
http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/. Not letting it use its eating to manipulate you, is a good place to start.

You know where to find me with other problems.