[cookie_beagle]

we have a 5 1/2 month old beagle whom we love dearly. As such, we might have spoiled it too much by giving it treats all the time. 2 weeks ago he stopped eating his dog food. He would sniff his bowl then push it away with his nose. We tried mixing dry food with wet food, tried softening dry food with water, switching dog food brands -- all to no avail. The only thing he wants to eat are treats.

how do we we get him to start eating proper dog food again? We started with royal canin then switched over to orijen. He will not eat either.

we stopped giving him treats. We give him meals 2x a day which he does not touch. How long can he go without eating? Is this healthy for him? Thanks

[danielnoahsmommy]

Whoose the boss. Does he open the cabinits himself. Put down his regular dog food. Soon enough he will get hungry and eat. Lets see who has a stronger will, you or him...

He won't starve to death.

[cookie_beagle]

Thanks, we're on our 2nd day now. We've been giving him his regular dog food and so far he's eaten just 1/3 of it. As you say -- I hope we won't starve to death

[Alty]

When he's hungry he'll eat, trust me. He's pulling a two year old child trick on you, "If I'm stubborn enough mommy and daddy will give in" trust me, if he could hold his breath until his face turned blue I'm sure he'd try that trick too. ;)

No more treats. If you want to train him using treats then you can give a small treat when he does what you ask, but no between treats anymore otherwise you'll have bigger problems down the road.

Oh, I too have a beagle, he's 3 months old, they're wonderful little dogs, but stubborn as can be. You have to be firm otherwise he'll walk all over you. :)

Good luck.

[cookie_beagle]

Thanks altenweg. Yes, he's a sly and crafty one. It's day 4 and we're holding our ground. No treats at all. I hope we can regulate his eating habits soon. I'm thinking of weighing him just to make sure he doesn't lose too much weight in the process.

[Alty]

Don't give in, you are the pack leader, remember that and stand your ground.

Also remember that he's a dog, his instinct is to survive. When he's hungry he'll eat, he just has to realize that you aren't going to give up.

Really, he'll be fine. :)