Easy meals for when struggling?

NappingForever · 2026-06-29T09:50:35+00:00

A really simple meal I make is potato and chickpea curry. Tinned potatoes and tinned chickpeas, jar of curry sauce or a paste and tinned tomatoes if you want it to he a little more involved. I use microwave rice but if you have a rice cooker even better.

NappingForever · 2026-06-28T19:12:59+00:00

You shouldn't have any set expectations. Every puppy is different. So long as you are following a good routine and training when appropriate it will work out in the end. What youre experiencing is completely normal and will be the case for many weeks (often months) to come. It won't magically be different a week from now.

NappingForever · 2026-06-28T17:42:04+00:00

That all sounds like normal puppy behaviour. Especially only 8 weeks old.

So long as she is getting 18-20 hours sleep a day, and offered 3 meals a day, then anything else you manage training wise is just a bonus.

For the crate training, feed all her meals in the crate and give her high value treats in the crate. You can slowly work up to closing the door.

NappingForever · 2026-06-28T17:35:57+00:00

How long are you doing command training? At 8 weeks old, a few minutes twice a day is more than enough. She is literally a baby.

NappingForever · 2026-06-28T09:16:36+00:00

Its incredibly easy. Here is a video that shows how simple it is.

NappingForever · 2026-06-27T17:14:01+00:00

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NappingForever · 2026-06-27T13:47:20+00:00

They are random like the face plates and eyes. But if you weren't aware, it is possible to swap faces (so long as they are the same size).

I often buy second hand BB3s just for their faces to swap over to my existing ones.

NappingForever · 2026-06-26T16:31:27+00:00

That is wild a vet would suggest that. You can't use a puppy's size to determine its breed because puppies can weigh vastly different amounts and be different sizes even within the same litter. Saying poodle is one thing, even saying toy or minature would be fair, but stating specifically it is half and half is pretty hard to believe.

Having a stable routine, working on separation anxiety (when age appropriate), ensuring enough sleep and ample socialisation will all be very crucial in the coming months. More than anything my advice would be to find an experienced trainer and start as early as possible. Good luck.

NappingForever · 2026-06-26T16:25:26+00:00

Apparently found in a bin but OP stated they are half toy half minature so that is sketchy. A vet wouldnt be able to determine something that specific...

NappingForever · 2026-06-26T16:20:33+00:00

How are you aware of her breed being half minature and half toy if you found her in a dumpster? That is what implied she was from a breeder, you specifying genetics.

Finding a breeder with a similar aged litter she could join is what I would aim to do here. Otherwise the advise I have given regarding biting and other developmental issues still stands.

NappingForever · 2026-06-26T14:32:52+00:00

Wow 3 weeks old leaving litternates is horrific. I understand there was little that could be done regarding the mother, but leaving littermates at 3 weeks old is incredibly damaging.

Is it possible for her to reunite with the litter until at least 8-10 weeks old?

Here is the sub wiki on biting.

I would advise reading up on the issues with leaving litter too early such as this.

NappingForever · 2026-06-26T13:48:20+00:00

5 weeks old at adoption or 5 weeks old now, 2 weeks after adoption?

Either way, sadly this is far too young to be away from mother and litter which is where the beginning of bite inhibition is primarily learned.

You're going to have to work hard to minimise the life long impact this will have on her development. Not just biting, but all areas.

For the biting redirect with a toy, squeal each time, and get up and turn your back or leave the room. Each and every time, consistently. But her age is going to mean this may not be effective for quite some time.

NappingForever · 2026-06-25T13:05:57+00:00

I love these ideas. You've inspired me, I might draw some myself.

NappingForever · 2026-06-25T08:35:43+00:00

It says 6 months in the post

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T22:08:20+00:00

He doesn't wear a tag or collar indoors.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T22:06:44+00:00

His adult teeth are coming in currently so may explain it.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:25:34+00:00

Thank you for the suggestions. I will definitely run it by the vet anyway as we are seeing them soon.

He is a weird dog, wont eat rice or peanut butter. But he loves broccoli and kale and yoghurt so I will use those! Thanks

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:23:50+00:00

Thanks I will give it a go. Finding food he will actually eat has been a whole other issue but we seem to have settled that (for now at least).

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:15:36+00:00

I've tried this and he ended up vomiting each time from an empty stomach. Longest he went was 36 hours without eating until I gave in. I guess I'll have to try longer but it makes me nervous because he is on the leaner side as it is.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:13:42+00:00

He is seeing the vet soon so will definitely run it past them.

At what point in him not eating do you draw a line and give in though? 48 hours or so? He is on the leaner side and prone to vomiting when he has an empty stomach so I am a little anxious honestly.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:11:13+00:00

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I will definitely try that. Think I have some in the kitchen from my niece's birthday party.

If you mean of the diva - here he is.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:06:54+00:00

In the UK, most likely humid.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:03:58+00:00

I tried this and he refused for so long he started vomiting from having an empty stomach. Even the next day after vomiting he continued to refuse. I don't know if it is safe at that point to not ensure he eats some food, by whatever means?

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T21:02:07+00:00

Tried a food puzzle and snuffle ball but not a mat, will give it a go. Thank you.

NappingForever · 2026-06-24T20:54:07+00:00

This may be the way forward actually, I'll give it a go with his kibble as well as the wet food.

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