Dog treats don’t make dogs fat – people do (by feeding them dog treats)
Given the fact that dog obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, we are clearly feeding our pets too much. Perhaps this is because we project our own diet related issues on our dogs. Food is a reward for many of us and, oftentimes to the detriment of our pets, we think they need high calorie, high sugar, sweets between meals.
Read MorePeeing on trees and sniffing butts is not exercise for your obese dog
Remember, your dog is more efficient than you are when walking or running. They are faster and can go farther while expending less energy (see below for exceptions). Our favorite exercise for any dog is to allow them to run off the leash chasing a ball or other dog at the park. If, however, your dog 1) runs away when they are let off the leash and you live in an area with a lot of cars 2) bites other dogs in the face if left to their own devices 3) you live in an area with an inordinate amount of “tough guy” dogs and your dog is likely to get bitten in the face if allowed to run off leash or 4) your dog is like most dogs and they just stand there staring at you when they are let off the leash – you are going to have your work cut out for you because unless you are working when your dog is exercising – your dog might not even be registering what you are doing with them as exercise.
Read MoreWant an easy way to add 1.8 years to your fat dog’s life? Get out and walk 5K.
Canine weight loss is really about us as much as it is about them. Following these simple strategies will get you and your dog on your way.
Read MoreMaking the case against adopting a dog from the pound
A reasonable conclusion that can be drawn3 from the study is that if a pet owner would like to reduce the incidence of fear aggression in their dog by 580x, they should obtain a dog with a known history during the period of 3-12 weeks of age. In many cases, this will exclude adopting a dog from the pound as the rearing history for many pound dogs is unknown.
Read MoreThree words you never want to hear at a dog park
The three words you never want to hear at a dog park are: “Be good Fluffy.” It means your dog is about to be attacked.
Read MoreAustralian officials set to start killing Pit Bulls – The Truth About Owning A “Tough Guy” Dog
This week, Australian officials are set to start killing Pit Bulls and other dangerous breeds. “Beginning Friday, authorities will knock on doors in Victoria, seizing and euthanizing any American pit bull terrier — or dog that looks like one — that is not registered as a restricted breed with local officials…In addition to the American pit bull terrier, the restriction in Victoria includes the perro de presa canario, dogo Argentino (Argentinian fighting dog), Japanese tosa and fila Brasileiro (Brazilian fighting dog).”
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