Help me understand my dog?

[Chickenhappy8708]

My dogs name is Buddy. He is a 3 year old cockapoo poodle mix (75% poodle, 25% cockerspainel) he has a lot if weird habits, we got him as an 8 week old pup. The one I'm asking about is his eating problems. When I put down the plate (yes plate, he won't eat out of a bowl, only the floor, or a plate.) he whimpers at it, no matter how close you put it to him, until you move it closer. Then back up, if that doesn't work, you have to move it to another plate, and then usually he eats. Any idea why he does this? The other dog, Millie (1 year old cockapoo) never does this. She is more dominate than him, and does bully him from time to time. She is the Tri-colored one, Bud is white.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

He has anxiety if that helps?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Some dogs are quirky, especially when it comes to eating. My first poodle would lean way in to grab some kibble than take it elsewhere to eat. I don't know where the fear of a dog dish came from.

You do reward your dog by moving the dish when he whines, so it sounds like he's trained you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Us humans tend to create anxieties in dogs by paying attention to them when they are nervous or scared. We think we are comforting them, but in reality all it does is tell them we agree with whatever behaviors we are rewarding them for. It's best to completely ignore nervous or scared behaviors, and let the dog work it out themselves. Extreme fear is something different, and needs to be addressed differently.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Your dogs are adorable.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

He is good at training me, he is stubborn. One time, we were walking him, and he saw a rabbit, at this point he had been on the leash for a few hours, and the pulled as hard as he could. He fell over, and continued to run, while on his side. So, I'm stubborn to... Its just a matter of who can outstuborn who at this point

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Us humans tend to create anxieties in dogs by paying attention to them when they are nervous or scared. We think we are comforting them, but in reality all it does is tell them we agree with whatever behaviors we are rewarding them for. It's best to completely ignore nervous or scared behaviors, and let the dog work it out themselves. Extreme fear is something different, and needs to be addressed differently.

Probobly did as a puppies, 2 little girls who had never had a pet before lol. Were more disiplene now, but he always gets special attention, no comfort when the TV turns on though.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Oldhen know of how she tells you the dogs are adorable very smart are poodle
enjoy them they have you trained just feed away from each other if possible

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Your dogs are adorable.

Thank you, Buddie is my favorite, Mill isn't very nice lol.

 

[cassie]

If it were me I would just put his food dish down and walk away. I would let him figure it out. Or not. After 20 minutes or so I would pick up the dish and remove it whether he had eaten or not. Same thing next meal.