We are feeding Misha 1/2 cup of food twice a day (1 cup / day). Every time I feed her she gobbles it up in seconds. It always seems she is extremely hungry. Should we be feeding her more?
Yes, you'll want to feed her more - I'm feeding Noche' about a cup per feeding now - they're growing of course so you'll want to increase the food gradually until she's eating what fills and satisfies her. The recommendation used to be to just put down a giant bowl of food and let the pups eat until 20 minutes was up and then take it away - of course if she's extremely hungry she might overeat - but this might be a helpful gauge for you.
Also we are having a family discussion on the importance of eating first then feeding the dog to establish pack hierarchy. How important do you feel this is?
I don't think you need to do this - these are baby puppies - I think it is more important to be consistent and fair with pups - the pack hierachy will naturally develop out of this relationship. Sometimes I think that all this control can work in a negative fashion - where a 'master/subject' relationship develops rather than a 'partnership/friendship.' Ideally, you've chosen to add a puppy to your family so that she can be a family member - so what I try to do is to treat the pups as I would my own human kids when they were 2 years old or so. The life rules need to be clear and compassionate.
