I have a new puppy who is almost 11 weeks old.
He came from a large litter and my understanding is that the foster didn't train any of them and fed them together. This is no judgement, just context.
He is OBSESSED with food. To the point he would prefer to train for treats instead of play independently. On the one hand, he is pretty easy to train, and is learning fast. On the other hand, he needs to play and even "calming" food options like puzzle feeders lick mats, bones, tend to all get him excited.
I feel like this makes it hard for him to settle in his crate for naps. Oh, and his crate is the best bet to get him to sleep! If he is out of his crate, he just looks for food or engages in destructive behavior because he is too tired but won't settle.
I promise you, I am feeding him plenty of food according to the guidelines on the bag and other sources, so he isn't underfed!
I read it can be boredom, but I try to engage him with play and he is mentally engaged theough training and puzzles.
Oh and his training "treats" are literally just his regular food. They are not special or "high value". All food is high value to him 😂.
He also tries to eat leaves or anything he can get in his mouth when we go outside and chooses to focus on that instead of walking. But of course, if I tell him to "leave it" he will, if he thinks there is a treat involved.
Do I feed him more? Is this normal? Am I messing up my fur baby?
submitted by /u/Icy-Bite-2628
[link] [comments]