I didn't want to hijack Louis' thread about water, so I started one of my own.
I understand that free feeding is generally discouraged, and I understand the reasons behind that. My question is this: do we handle water the same way, ie only provide water with meals, or should it be freely available until taking it up around bedtime?
i'm under the impression that water should be available to dogs 24/7, whenever they want it, in fact i'm not certain but i believe that's what various SPCA groups demand... especially of an outside dog, and to have an outside dog that doesn't have a fresh water dish available seems to be flirting with the authorities in my mind.
i also haven't seen the same behaviour improvements from witholding water as one sees from witholding food. in my very uneducated opinion, i don't think dogs see water the same way they see food. my dogs will happily try to jam all their heads in a single bucket of water if they haven't had it in an hour or two, but they won't share food like that.
however, i'm by no means an expert trainer. good luck.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: Hans Cook
I didn't want to hijack Louis' thread about water, so I started one of my own.
I understand that free feeding is generally discouraged, and I understand the reasons behind that. My question is this: do we handle water the same way, ie only provide water with meals, or should it be freely available until taking it up around bedtime?
Thanks!
M.O.:
Yes, water should be freely available unless you need to remove it at night for pups.
Many dogs don't drink with their meals..... and are far more likely to drink after play or other exercise.
Jan Williamson Webboard User Reg: 08-10-2005
Posts: 483
Loc: NE Pennsylvania
Offline
I do take up their water about an hour before eating and for an hour after eating. I started this only after reading a very good article on bloat. See ‘Prevention’ (about half-way down) at globalspan.net/bloat.htm.
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
Offline
My dogs have access to water all day and when they come in and "crate up" in the evenings. When I used to feed kibble I would also put about 3/4 of a cup of warm water on their food about 5 minutes before I fed them.
At bedtime I take the water out of the crates.
One exception, the Bloodhound has access to water all night.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
cool that is what i am doing now. even tho my gsd pup is only 16wks today, he has made HUGE strides in only a few days...this time last week, i was still worried about relieving in the house...now, i am not...i am more inclined to leave the water ou tlonger now....and let him drink when he gets up later in the nite...i know that it wont be forever....
picking up the water @ 9 or so at nite is still happening, any earlier and i believe that is too early for OUR schedule....he still wakes me @ 4am +/- and hour to go out....but he completely IGNORES the puppy pads @ the baby gate in the bedroom...to me, that is a true sign of 'learned' behavior. and for that, i am pumped...
now i must apologize for the hijak...hopefully it will help you...
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
How much water?
Top
Re: How much water?
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
