Sorry for the long title! I am at a loss on how to stop this, or if I should.

Angel acts like he is never fed! Makes me feel bad! I give him 1/8 cup of THK Embark in the morning mixed with water, evening he gets 1/8 cup Wellness Core (grain free) chicken. Throughout the day, he will get a few treats, some carrots, a few apple slices. He is two years old and weighs between 9 and 9.5lbs. The vet said he should weigh about 8.5 lbs - that was his last physical, he is due for one in the spring. Anyway, he shakes, visibly, when there is any kind of food around. And sometimes he will bark for food!!! I don't want to under feed him, but I don't want him to get obese! he absolutely cannot gain more weight! I can feel his ribs with a little pressure, but it won't take much for him to "pork up!"

I don't know what to do! My DIL and friend were finally able to see how he shakes! I have never seen one shake like him before!

I sure could use some advice! Thanks!

I think everyone who owns a hound feels this way. Usually chis are not that food driven but a lot of other breeds are like that. Beagles for instance- my beagle mix is hungry ALL the time and gets ultra excited about any food whatsoever. He would eat himself to death and never seems full. All you can do is ignore it and don't give him any more food, or he will get fat. Feed your chi based on what they need to maintain a good body condition, not based on how hungry they are. Also don't make a fuss when he acts hungry, that is just reinforcing the behavior. You seem to be feeding a reasonable amount of healthy food, I wouldn't worry about it.

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Douglas is the same. I think he could eat all day and never be tired.

I feed a small amount, probably between 1/8 and 1/4 cup of blue buffalo twice a day. He's between 5 and 6 pounds and gets slightly more food when we exercise a lot.

He begs at the table too. Big eyes. I have him trained to never jump up or bark and so he sits next to you quietly and hopes for food.

It is hard not to give in and when he sits quietly I do sometimes give up and treat him. I don't mind the begging as long as it is the way I want him to do it. I despise rudeness.

If he gets a lot of table food (when he gets table food it is usually just meats I try to keep it healthy) then his dog food that day is decreased.

It sounds like you're doing the right thing, you have to ignore the pleading.

Ike is the same way, I break up 1/3 cup of food 3 times a day, and he gets a few treats, but runs out side and gobbles rabbit poop in the yard. My vet gave me pills to worm him once a month because of the rabbit crap. If someone saw how he acts they would think he is never fed. Plus in morning along with the kibbles he get a tablespoon of can food also. Some of his food I keep in my pocket ,to reward him when he goes potty outside. He is 4 months old and weighs 3 pounds.

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Ike born Aug 15 2012

Stella does the same, even though she's at a healthy weight. She's a very food driven little dog. I just ignore her whenever she starts doing this. She's gotten a whole lot better, though she still gets incredibly excited about food.

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Ha! There are those of us that pray for that kind of food drive! My girl is like that. She shakes and whines when food is around, and her sits/downs are totally crisp, her heeling has animation to die for. Recalls are so easy if I so much as LOOK at her she bolts to my side for her reward. We're he envy of the park.

Embrace it!

Thanks everyone. It's comforting knowing I'm not alone! The look of anticipation on him is so great! I they to use that with training. I can pretty much get him to come to me with a little whistle. I make sure I give him a treat when he comes. I make very tiny, thin treats so that it doesn't add a lot of calories. Luckily he really, really likes carrots!

We eat in the living room because it's warmer and it's just the two of us. he will sit or lie down and watch us but he won't make noise, he gets fed after we eat. I have tried feeding him first, but he still acts the same. I totally ignore him unless he tries to steal something from hubby - he doesn't even notice Angel trying to steal from him! Oh well!

Again, thanks! At least I don't feel like I am a mean mommy! I am a little paranoid about him getting fat! My first one should have weighed around 8 - 8.5 lbs and was around 11.5!! A fat chi usually has health problems - more than one of proper size.

We have the same issue with one of ours. We cook green beans and offer them throughout the day - they really love them and they are almost zero calorie. Hope you find something that works for you xx

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