Duke is a total Momma's Boy and I'm pulling out my hair!! Need some tips!

[Gabby]

Ok, so I want to start out by saying that I take total and full responsibility for Duke's little momma's boy issue... I indulged it 100 percent, but now that he's 1 year old I want it to stop!!!!!  OK so here's the deal:

When Duke was with his litter, I noticed that he was always the last to eat his mushy kibble and often preferred to find his mom for milk.  Once he came home, I noticed that he was not an eager eater.  We feed Fromm by the way.   I noticed that if I pet him while he eats, he eats happily.  If I step out of eyesight, he stops eating and finds me.  So, twice a day, I stop what I'm doing and feed Duke AND have to pet him, brush him or just stand near him for him to finish his food.  At first, I just absolutely thought it was the cutest thing ever.. At around 6 months, I was wondering if he would ever outgrow this... Now that he just turned 1 year, I'm tearing out my hair. I still think it's cute, but there are mornings where I am rushing to get the kiddos off to school or have appointments.. It would be nice if he just ate!!   My husband says to remove the dish when he walks away and that eventually he will "get" that he better eat now or have to go hungry.. YIKES, I can't bring myself to do this.  Is there any other way?  Have I completely spoiled him for life?  If I just leave the food out, he literally will not eat until I am home to sit next to him and brush him or pet him...

[Anita - Thunder, Noodle, Sparky]

This is so funny - sorry :) I understand because I have to stand in the kitchen but not look at my 14 year old Bichon in order for her to eat and it is tough sometimes. It hasn't always been like this but she doesn't eat well since she is so old. 

[Gabby]

LOL!  Yes, its funny and super cute most of the time!!!  "Sigh" I'm resigning myself to spoiling him forever....

[Patti Golden]

Most of the time my Boone won't eat unless I'm in the same room.  He is 1 1/2 yrs. old.  I don't worry about him getting enough to eat.  I leave his food down for him if he doesn't eat it.  Most of the time it's still there when I get home.  He gets plenty to eat though.  The vet said he was starting to "fill out" a bit too much.  LOL   She wanted me to catch it before it got out of hand.  I have cut his food down but he still usually only eats when I'm in the room.  And most of the time he doesn't finish it even then.  I just don't worry about it.  I figure if he's hungry he'll eat.  I have never seen a dog starve to death in front of a bowl of food.  Now if you have more than one dog it might be a different story.  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I would leave his food bowl out. He will eat when he gets hungry. You would only have to be concerned if he started gaining lots of weight due to overeating. Doesn't sound like that will happen. I have one dog who won't eat unless she is all alone in the kitchen, however her humans must be home.  The other one picks his food up in his mouth and deposits it all over the place :) I also could leave food out all day, but they only eat in the evening. He will eat eventually.

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

That is a cute and funny story. Sorry but it did have me chuckling. As others have suggested I would leave his food out. He will eat when he gets hungry. I agree with leaving the bowl down for 15-30 mins and then taking it up. Do that 3-4 times per day. Same time of day everyday. Gradually getting to twice per day. He may not eat right away but he will eat when he gets hungry. Conditioning and response is what you should be gradually changing to a more appropriate, but just as loving, behavior.