Dog Community

Afraid of his food/water dishes?!?!

Posted : 8/23/2006 8:15:20 AM

This morning, Rudy (11week old chihuahua mix) is barking at his food and water dishes, and backing up like they're alive and going to attack him. ?!?!??!?!

The dishes are in the exact same spot they always are, with plenty of fresh food and fresh water.

But he won't eat or drink. He eases his way up to them, cautiously, then barks and runs away!!!

Dogs are SOOOO weird!!!! Any clues?!?

Susan Chandler

Posted : 8/23/2006 8:47:36 AM

I know this is a serious situation but the visual on this little chihuahua mix barking furiously at his food and water dish just cracks me up. However, that being said, let me assure you that puppers go thru their "phases". This probably will pass. Have you considered getting a smaller (wee smaller) dish for drink and food? If you think of it from his level, it is possible that he has just become aware of his own size against these HUGE VICIOUS IMMOVABLE OBJECTS! Pups are a goofy set. They definitely go thru phases just like kids do but usually, these things pass. He will want to eat eventually

! Be patient and good luck.

Kiera Carlson

Posted : 8/23/2006 8:52:54 AM

It actually *is* very funny! He hardly ever barks, and he's scooting across the floor on his belly, inching toward the food dishes, then "yip! yip!" and he runs away.

As far as the size of the dishes, I bought the smallest ones I could find at PetsMart.

DH wonders if Rudy's seeing his own reflection (the dishes are stainless steel) and barking at the "other dog" - LOL!!!

He'll eat when he gets hungry enough. I'm not worried, just baffled!

brookcove

Posted : 8/23/2006 9:02:14 AM

Stainless is very scary! didn't you know? seriously, I have a grownup dog who will only eat out of stainless if she's desperate. She also will not eat near heating vents, the refrigerator, or the stove. [8|]

Be sure you don't laugh (I know it's difficult to restrain yourself!), and you might want to even gently say, "Ah, ah . . " when he barks, or the barking could get annoying. Dogs pick up quickly that the laugh means you like what they are doing, even if it's not true later. [

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magilacudy

Posted : 8/23/2006 9:24:41 AM

My mother dog does this. As a pup he was afraid of water. He was running once and knocked over his bowl of water. He now will not drink out of the bowl if it has been moved to the outside or to another part of the house. It has to be in the same spot at all times or he will circle the bowl, looking at it like it will do something.

corvus

Posted : 8/23/2006 10:39:37 PM

My dog is afraid of stainless steel dishes as well. They make a scary noise when she pushes them across the floor. Maybe try getting a ceramic or plastic one? Or else you could try desensitising him by praising him when he goes towards the bowl, but before he gets close enough to bark at it and run away.