I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for getting a puppy on a feeding schedule. I have a 9 week old lab puppy. She is very happy, healthy, and active but for the life of me I can never seem to get her to eat on schedule. I cannot keep her food down all day (nor do I want to because I have read studies that food constantly available creates finicky eaters and has been linked to an increase in hip displaysia, a disease rampant in labs) because her Jack Russel housemate will devour it all. I am trying to have her eat three times a day. Every time I lower her food she seems disinterested and often times I have to hand feed her or set the food on the ground in front of her handful by handful. She also would rather eat her housemate's food rather than hers. I have tried feeding the other dog's food in her dish, but she still doesn't care. I have also tried putting my puppy's food in the other dog's bowl, but the problem persists. She is a growing girl and definetely not a chub. She eats, but I would rather not worry about having to handfeed her and watch her caloric intake all the time. I would rather her just eat at her scheduled times. How can I encourage her to eat her meals?

Thanks a million for any advice!

Feed her breakfast when you're having your breakfast, preferably around the same time every morning. She's more inclined to eat with you, rather than by herself. Also, take her food away after 30 minutes if she doesn't eat it, she'll learn to eat when you say so. Finally, don't feed her after five pm.