[NAGDU] Food Question

[Raven Tolliver]

Cindy,
When dogs are fed quality foods containing more macros and
micro-nutrients, they need far less to achieve the same nourishment
and weight as dogs fed highly processed foods packed with fillers. So
a dog 55-60 lbs or under might only need to eat 1.5 cups of a quality
food compared to the 2-3 cups of highly processed junk-filled foods
many schools feed.

Christina, if you need to get snappy, go there. All of us who obtain
guide dogs while living with family or roommates struggle to deal with
people challenging the way we do things. It could be training
techniques, behavior management, diet, interaction restrictions, etc,
and people will argue with you. This isn't to say others are always
wrong, not by any stretch, but if they don't have your same goals in
mind, then what they have to contribute is empty arguments.
Explain to them what you have here. Explain to them how TSE showed you
to check your dog's weight and physique, and explain why you oppose
anyone giving treats to your dog. If people continue to violate your
boundaries after a polite sit-down, sometimes you just have to be
rude. If people think it's okay to disrespect the rules and
restrictions you've set with your dog, then they need to be told
straightforward that they are being extremely inconsiderate of your
feelings, your dog's health, and the relationship between you and your
dog.

I had to do a lot of putting people in their place when I got home
with my dog and the fam wanted to pet him in harness and take him out
to play without my permission like he was a pet. I got rude and
snappy, and didn't mind it one bit. My main concern was establishing
myself as leader and provider, and ensuring that my dog was not
bothered while working. Those who didn't have those same goals in mind
got their heads bit off. Polite reminders are nice, but only when
people listen.
-- 
Raven
Founder of 1AM Editing & Research
www.1am-editing.com

You are valuable because of your potential, not because of what you
have or what you do.

Naturally-reared guide dogs
https://groups.google.com/d/forum/nrguidedogs

On 12/25/15, Cindy Ray via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I don't think it is so much feeling her ribs as her shape. It sounds as if
> she's fine. I am wondering why the small amount at night? How much exercise
> does she get? I am guessing though that she is fine.
> Cindy Lou Ray
> cinedyray at gmail.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Christina Moore
> via NAGDU
> Sent: Friday, December 25, 2015 6:40 AM
> To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Christina Moore <christina.moore16 at houghton.edu>
> Subject: [NAGDU] Food Question
>
> Hi,
> Merry Christmas all!!
> I am wondering if I can receive advice about how to approach my family in
> regards to how much food I feed my dog.
> As I groom her, I check her eyes and ribs as taught at TSE.  I changed her
> food to Orijen about half a year after leaving class because the food
> seemed
> better quality so she would get more nutrients without needing as much
> food.
> Currently, her coat is not greasy as the food she was on at TSE made it, I
> can feel her ribs but she is not skin and bones, she is as energetic as
> always and her working ability is wonderful.
> I guess, I am wondering how to confront them without being rude?
> She is my guide after all and I am with her daily away at school and here
> so
> I monitor her all ofthe time.  They say they can not see her ribs but that
> she is too lean.
> Another thing, they keep wanting to give her treats, I am not a huge treat
> person.  I praise her when she does well and let her play with her toys
> when
> she is not working.  I will give her ice as a treat every now and then and
> she loves it.  I do not believe treats are necessary.  I would use some
> kibble if working with her and the clicker but other than that what I do
> with her is working so why change it?
> I currently feed her a cup of Orijen in the morning and a half cup at night
> if that helps.
> --Christina