Hmm... Hunger Strike??

[LexieLuvr]

Yep, just a normal dachsund.

[Pokeys Mom]

Our completely healthy doxie mix was/is pulling this ruse with us!!

1) We talked to our vet: teeth are marvelous, healthy all around!
2) Toys: Does she chomp on Nylabones? Yes- until her jaw became too strong for them. (We are a zogoflex mini bone and black Kong house now.)
3) Does she eat super crunchy treats? Yes!
4) Did we take the bait and transition her to different kibble? Yes! (totally fell for it.)
5) Did she loooooove the new kibble, only to be a picky eater three weeks later? Why, yes!!

If I move her bowl to a low-traffic area, she will eat. (Shelter girl, shelter issues) So, she is dining in "safe" places away from the kitchen... which is pretty smart survival. If I leave her bowl in the kitchen, she'll dart in for a mouthful, set the kibble down in the hallway and eat it there.

6) Would I ever turn into such a push-over where I gently heat up her kibble to make it "tastier?" Me?! (no comment!)

P.S. She was approximately 1-year old when we got her. At the 2-year mark, her snout had grown a LOT. Even though her adult teeth were fully in on her gotcha day, she was still teething in a way. (Plus, she had never seen a toy before and discovered how awesome chomping could be!)

[Pokeys Mom]

P.P.S. Just like drinking water, she will eat when fully at ease.

I've seen her dream with raised hackles, and I've seen her dream with a very happy wagging tail. Some of her setbacks and leaps forward have been due to dreams. I'm sure of it.

Congrats on your puppy!! Sounds like you have The Hunger Games figured out!

[NAUTIQUE]

Congrats on your puppy!! Sounds like you have The Hunger Games figured out!

Not sure what I've got figured out with this little guy! I think he's just a pretty eccentric pooch!

He experienced rainy day potty trips for the first time this week.
Doesn't like the wet ground!
Just stands there like a statue shivering!
???? YIKES! Wonder what he's going to do in the winter?

As far as the hunger strike, it lasted a few days and then off & on for about a week.
I really think it has/had something to do with his teeth.
When it started, I was near the end of the bag of Wellness Core Small Breed (5 star).
I had a coupon for Rachael Ray's grain free (4 star) so thought I'd give it a try & started mixing it with the Wellness. He picked out the RR & left it on the floor. They were bigger kibble and hard as rocks?? RR is out!
Figured I had to get something else & my wife stopped at the feed store and came home with their recommendation Holistic Select Small & Mini (4.5 star). Not grain free, but he has eaten every meal since. (Was also pleased to find out that it comes from same manf. as Wellness.)

My plan now is to try rotation at the end of each bag (all 4.5 to 5 star) - Holistic Select Small & Mini, Holistic Select Grain Free Adult & Puppy (fish based), Holistic Select Grain Free adult (poultry based), Wellness Core Small Breed (meat based).

Also ran into a salesman for Earthborn at Tractor Supply.
He seemed very knowledgeable & made some good points about the food at this quality level all being pretty equal. Their brand does appear to have very similar quality as the brands I like above, at a little lower price, so may give it a try at some point too.

[Alex's Mom]

All I've got to say is Welcome!! to the wonderful world of wiener dogs Not many of them are all that keen on cold/wet/windy in any combination! (You'll probably need to invest in a coat for him for winter...also good for wet weather. Believe me, it will save both your sanities!! )

[lotsadox]

You might want to check out the Whole Dog Journal's best dog foods rather than taking the word of a salesman who makes his living telling you his food is the best.

[LexieLuvr]

I think all dachsies are a bit eccentric, that's what makes them so inique and lovable. Hang in there!