New here, with questions - Page 2

First things first: unless she is very much oversized (like 28" at the withers), she needs to lose at least 20 of those 103 lbs.! Especially before doing any strenuous activity in a warm climate. If she is within standard size, then the 75 lbs. she weighed when you got her is a much healthier weight than what she is now. Apart from her age, there is no way she is fit enough right now to start doing the jumps and sprints required in Schutzhund, and even if her drives are strong enough to overcome being out of shape she is far more likely to suffer an injury lugging around the extra weight. I'd put her on half rations and start slowly with an exercise routine of short walks (less than one mile) and ball-chasing (maybe 20 tosses at first) in the early morning and evening when it's cooler outside. Do the walks first so that she has a chance to loosen up before she runs after the ball, as this will reduce the chance of injury. As she begins to get in shape you can slowly increase the distances you walk and the amount of ball play you do. Even if you don't wind up doing any formal sports with her, she will have a healthier and longer life if you get her down to an appropriate weight.

Is she too old? I agree with p59teitel about her weight, but provided she's in good condition I dont' think she's too old, especially just for you to learn on. Not saying she has enough time to get SchH titled before she gets too old but you probably could at least get a BH and OB or TR title, you certainly may have a few good years for you to learn the sport on her and for the both of you to have some fun. My dog will be 7 in July and he's still going strong, but he's in excellent physical condition and appears years younger than he is. But I've seen other dogs his same age who are overweight and certainly appear overdue for retirement. IMO it has alot to do with genetics and the physical condition and health of the dog. Good luck, Melanie

Well....you are right!!! I excersise her ALOT. Walks, ball tosses, even used to ride my bike and have her at a "fast walk" next to me. first, I live in Fla, summers are tough for excersise as I do not wish to over heat her. Her food consumption is approx 3 cups of science diet dry a day. No human food (except an egg here and there mixed in) No treats. She just is not losing weight!!!! At 75 lbs her ribs were showing, and she looked very skinny. Yes the vet said she needs to lose, but what do I do, more excercise (?), Less food, heck I do not think I am overfeeding her as it is. Advice? BTW all this started after she was spayed...weight gain, 4 years ago. Thanx

If you are feeding the "mature adult" Science Diet, that food has 15.4% fat content, which is about what one would feed a highly active working dog and is too much for an already plump dog. I'd find something with 10% or less fat, for starters. It wouldn't hurt to cut back to 2 1/2 cups per day, either - she may try to tell you she is starving, but she really won't be.

Ribs showing is not a bad thing for a dog. It's much healthier then a roll of fat. I'm not talking skin and bones, I'm talking being able to see the outime of ribs, or at least feel them! We have one female that gets 2 cups of fodd a day. She claims she's starving but is just the right weight.

I would put her on a low cal or senior food, if needed I'd also cut her consumption by a cup a day. If you're feeding 3/day, I'd give her 1 cup in the morning and 1 cup in the afternoon. I don't think you are overfeeding but every dog is different, adjust it according to how your dog processes food. You should be easily able to feel her ribs, she should have a waist (area between her ribs and hips should be thinner) and her belly should tuck up. if you can count all her ribs or see her hip points she's too skinny. Excersise in Fla must be tough, I'd say find a pond to swim her but I suppose you have to worry about gators, lol. Maybe you have a swimming pool? Swimming is awesome exsersise, especially for the very young and older dogs (easy on the joints). You also don't have to worry about the heat. If not, excersise her early morning or late afternoon, maybe even at night after the sun is down. Take care, Melanie

Fires-- I feed my guys everything---Fresh meats, veggies, raw egg, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. on a daily basis. Have even started adding some raw (after frozen) to their diet---plus the supplements-vit C, gluc/chon, etc; but, I also need a base. I have always used Solid Gold (hundenflocken), and Newman's Own Organic (for my young boy--it had only 22% protein and because of all the added protein given daily, I felt it was appropriate for a growing pup). Recently, my young guy turned 2, and I wanted to put a few pounds on him--to build muscle. I chose (after much study--and the flip of the coin method between some of the better brands such as Abady, Innova EVO, etc) to try Timberwolf Organics. 'Wild and Natural' to be exact--36% protein, 18% fat. Amazing stuff--I substituted one cup in morning and night for the Newman's. (He gets about 4 1/2 cups total daily PLUS all the other food. He also gets a great deal of exercise. The reason I am so happy with the Timberwolf is when you feed organic food the main drawback is usually dealing with a soft and sometimes sloppy stool. Since starting with the product I have had a 100% solid stool--2 weeks so far. I see they have another variety available--Black Forrest (22% protein, 12% fat--grain free). I'd check it out. Also--She needs exercise--find an open area, perhaps a school field if nothing else available and just let her romp around naturally. I wouldn't do the bike or treadmill until she was somewhat down in weight. She's older, and with the added weight--CONTINUAL stress on certain areas might not be advisable. Later, you can resume your normal routine. Wonderful hearing about someone who really cares. Thanks.

Fires-- I should have said that the 'Black Forrest' is for a lowfat diet and management of canine obesity (their words). I found it a good food, so thought you might be interested. Timberwolforganics.com

Thanks to all of you!! Here is what happened. As stated she was abused, when I say ribs showing, I mean "SHOWING". The girl I got her from "the rescuer" stated she was working on that , and she was feeding her science diet "sensitive skin" Alexa had problems with her skin , we (the vet, myself and the rescuer) all agreed it was most likely allergies...the change from her previous locale (she came from Germany to Michican to Fla) I have been using malaseb shampoo from day one. Her skin only gets an outbreak maybe 3 times a month now. Compared to patches of hair missing when I got her. (the outbreaks resemble ringworm but the vet assured me it was not) Gentocin is also beneficial for spot treatments. Bottom line is all this has worked, and I hate to change diet, and risk skin problems. I tried it once about 2 years ago and that was what happened. I have taken her off moist dog food, I used to put a half a can in for flavor, but the fat content was up there. My oldest daughter works at a doggie day care, (in college to be a vet) and takes Alexa at least once a week ( when I am working fire dept) to the facility. There is a salt water pool for the dogs and about 20 (?) acres for the dogs to run. When Alexa is home the next day this dog is TIRED!! My daughter works her good!! Anyhow, I am gonna re-read all your replies and see what else comes in, before doing anything drastic. We have come SO FAR , after her abuse I just want to be careful. Overprotective Dad...LOL imagine how I was with 2 daughters...LOL Thanks ALOT