I can understand why dog owners make mistakes in their training; it's a learning curve. I can even understand when they choose a dog totally unsuitable for their circumstances; all dogs look 'cute' when they're puppies but I really do get mad when I see huge overweight dogs.
I was introduced to a labrador yesterday who was 'too old' to go for walks any more. When he dragged himself into the room he was ENORMOUS.
"How old is he?" I asked suspecting he was in his mid teens.
Imagine my reaction when the owner said 'seven'. This dog had been systematically over fed until it could barely walk.
There is no excuse for overfeeding and under exercising your dog. It's the easiest thing in the world to keep a dog trim. You write down his ideal weight and weigh him once a month. If he's underweight you feed him more, if he's overweight you feed him less it's that simple.
He's not going to cheat and nip down to the chippie is he? His well-being is entirely down to you and the stakes are high. Large breeds are particularly prone to hip dysplasia which is extremely debilitating. Apart from careful breeding your dog's only protection from this painful condition is to stay in shape.
I've owned a couple of dog's with hip dysplasia and by keeping them trim and giving them lots of swimming they both had long and relatively pain free lives. All I did was reduce the pressure on their joints by keeping them fit; it isn't rocket science.
Many owners of overweight dogs are in denial and refuse to acknowledge their dog's condition. There's no shame in admitting your mistakes and making amends.
If you want to show your dog how much you love him/her there is no better way than improving their health and mobility.
You can read more of Vic's training tips at www.vicbarlow.com.
