Internet Inquiries: “My Dog Won’t…”
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—types “My dog won’t…” into the browser and breaks down the internet’s most-asked worries: won’t eat, won’t drink, won’t poop, and won’t let me cut nails. What’s normal, when to worry, and the practical steps that actually work—without getting trapped in online noise.
Episode Highlights
- “Won’t eat” ≠ emergency—usually: Scan the whole picture (energy, water, potty). Pica/impaction risk or zero intake for days? Call the vet. Otherwise, don’t panic.
- Appetite dips around 6–12 months: Growth slows, calories drop. Avoid training your dog to demand toppers; reduce portion size and watch body condition.
- Feeding rules: Offer meals twice daily for 15–20 minutes, then pick up. Skip free-feeding; it fuels picky eating and guarding.
- “Won’t drink”: Context matters. True day-long refusal warrants attention, but raw-fed dogs naturally drink less.
- “Won’t poop”: Give a fair chance outside, then crate if needed—don’t patrol the block for an hour. (Matchstick “tricks” are not recommended.)
- Nail trims that stick: Safety first (muzzle biters, get helpers). Do tiny slivers and repeat frequently; stay quiet and neutral. Don’t let the paw yank away.
- When arousal spikes: A clearly marked “No” followed by a meaningful consequence can drop intensity so the dog can learn; use tools thoughtfully.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:00 – “My dog won’t…” autocomplete theme; welcome & trigger warning.
- 00:42 – Who we are: Diamond K9; off-leash obedience, behavior modification, puppies.
- 01:45 – Cutting through culture and “purely positive” gaps to share the full picture.
- 03:21 – My dog won’t eat—why this is common and when to raise an eyebrow.
- 04:08 – Red flags: true refusal, pica/foreign-body history, other illness signs.
- 05:58 – Look at the whole dog; off days happen. (Not medical advice—use judgment.)
- 06:47 – “Not eating enough”: growth slows at ~8–10 months; stop creating topper habits.
- 09:30 – Portion control across sizes/breeds; monitor body condition.
- 10:45 – Board-and-train insight: anxious dogs may skip meals for 1–5 days—offer 2x/day, no free-feeding.
- 14:53 – My dog won’t drink—offer and move on; raw diets reduce thirst.
- 17:19 – My dog won’t poop—give the chance, then crate; don’t spend all day waiting. (Matchstick anecdote = pass.)
- 19:56 – Won’t let me cut nails: start early if you can; either way, it must be done. Muzzle for safety; sedation is a last resort.
- 23:03 – Frequency over intensity: tiny trims, multiple sessions/day; touch/tap the clippers to desensitize.
- 27:23 – Don’t allow paw yanking; firm hold, neutral handling, one nail at a time.
- 28:53 – Stay quiet; revisit often so tolerance builds fast.
- 30:34 – Using a rolled-towel “bonker” after a clear “No” to lower arousal/biting attempts; use sparingly and with purpose.
- 32:19 – Key takeaway: frequency, clarity, and accountability; send questions to [email protected].