How Long To Leave The Food Bowl Down?

[GABBA]

Hi, I have a 10 and a half week old Dogue De Bordeaux and I have a question relating to food. Every morning I get ip and give him some food, as the last time he would have ate is the night before, however sometimes he doesn't touch it when I give him his breakfast. The problem is, I have to go to work for about 11 hours a day, and while there are people around the house (at times) to keep him company, I would like to be thr one he associates with food, so my question is, do I leave the bowl down throughout the day, and let him pick at it when he's hungry, or do I put it up out of his reach, and feed him when I get back? (ideally I'd like to have him eating at least twice a day - morning & night, not just one big meal at night).

Thanks in advance.

[poodlefan]

I'd get someone else to feed him his meal during the day.

If you're the person feeding the other meals, training him with treats and playing with him, bonding with you shouldn't be an issue.

After all, if you have to go away, someone else will have to feed him.

[ellz]

I would be feeding on a minimum of twice per day, preferably a minimum of 3 times per day for a large puppy like that. It won't hurt him to be fed by somebody else. As long as it is you doing most of the lovin' he won't really give a toss who feeds him, as long as they do.

Leave the food down for maximum 15 minutes per meal and then take it away and don't feed again until next meal time.

[sandgrubber]

I leave bowls down all day long . . . but Labradors are true to their reputation as gutzers; the bowls are empty within about 20 seconds of hitting the floor.

[Red Fox]

What about putting his food in a Kong or biscuit ball? That way it is still there for him when he wants it but gives a job to do during the day while you are at work.

[Dogsfevr]

Pup is training you well & you are setting pup up to be a painful eater.

As already said you feeding him wont gain any brownie points & the reality is his food means nothing coming from you as he isnt eating it .

You need to forget wanting to feed & get pup into a good eating habit that sets him up for life

[GABBA]

Thanks for the replies. I will arrange or try to arange others to start feeding him, just to get the timetable going. A thing to note, and I guess it's no supprise, he'll never turn down chicken necks or frames, only the Eukanuba. But I figure, if he's hungry, he'll eat.