Skinny collie

[DivaRosa]

Hey!

I have 2 border collies. 1 who is very laid back and chilled and the other is a neurotic wreck. She is 2yrs old and was rescued from a life of living in a kitchen 24/7. She is now outside all the time as she seems terrified of coming into the house in case she is shut in. The main problem is her weight. She just doesn't gain any. Her ribs are visible and there is no fat on her wot so ever. We feed her canned food and biscuits but she is really only interested in watching the horses outside. If we try to shut her in to make her eat, she just frets. How can we get her to chill a bit and put on some weight. We have to be a bit carefull as our other collie is prone to putting on the beef and will still the skinny ones food when she leaves it. She is a lovely dog despite her probs and is very friendly and loving to us. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[indalees]

It's a pain in the bum but feeding little and often may help. Also a raw diet (look up BARF diet on the net) may be beneficial, raw tripe is also often used to put weight on.
These are only suggestions and someone may come up with other ideas. At the end of the day you may find this is just the way the dog is, just like peoplehorses, some are more prone to putting on weight than others, others just have nervous energy. Also if she is not speyed you may find this helps her chill out and quite often helps them put weight on. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

I would try her with different things to tempt her - sardines in oil or tomato sauce seem a favourite or even just some oil on her biscuits. What biscuits and tins is she having? Maybe a complete food like Skinners is the way to go - then at least she is getting what she needs. i wouldn't shut her in to eat but if she is happy outside feed her out there keeping your other dog inside. Leave her food down for 15 - 20 mins then take away. When she is hungry she will eat.

I would also put some Rescue Remedy in her water for the next few weeks so she has a constant intake as it may help take the edge of her nerves - sounds like she had a rough time before she found you. Will she eat treats from you? if so put the Rescue Remedy on them and feed as I am sure she will benefit from it.

 

[NeverSayNever]

take her off tins and biscuits... and replace with a complete quality diet. I feed ours Arden Grange (we have 6). Also, some raw tripe mixed in will be good for weight gain.

I would urge you to give her something to do and get her confidence in the house rather than her being allowed to watch the horses all the time. All this will do is wind her up more.

When you feed her; dont just put the food down and walk away. Id feed her in the house - when you take the bowl to her, send her away from you... growl at her and make her submit and retreat. Pretend to eat some of the food yourself and depending on her reaction, keep looking at her and grumbling so she looks away submissively. After a few mins, place the bowl down and walk away. DOnt look at her, dont speak to her. If she eats within 5 mins all fine - but if she doesnt, go back and remove th ebowl til next time.

I would also be feeding 3 small meals a day at the moment.

At the moment, she doesnt value her food enough to eat it, as leaving it with her, she has no reason to think she should eat straight away. You have to be a firmer leader... a neurotic collie is more interested in stimulating things like livestock to watch than eating

i really recommend Jan Fennel's The Dog Listener if you havent already read it.

hope this is helpful to you. if i can be of anymore help feel free to drop me a pm, im not on here everyday but will check back. (i am a trainer btw

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[DivaRosa]

Thanks for all your info and advice guys. I will try the suggestions some of you have made. I have been feeding her Bakers complete with Pedigree Chum meat twice a day up til now but will go and investigate some alternatives. I will let you know how we get on. Thanks Bluewicked, I will do as you say. You are right in that she really doesn't care about her food at all. Wish I was the same! x