A Fit Dog Is A Happy Dog

American Pit Bull Terrier, Pictures at 4 Years Old, Owned By Billy Vaughan

Today I was browsing through Facebook (a horribly addicting past time) and I came upon a post with a picture of an overweight dog. Browsing through the comments, one person pointed out the problem, only to be shot down by every other poster saying that her comments were rude, uncalled for and that the dog was loved and spoiled. This was of great concern to me, as I know that if the dog had been deemed underweight, everyone would have jumped on the bandwagon to call out the owner on the issue. So why is it that an underweight dog will have everyone running and screaming but an overweight dog won't? Sadly, people don't realize how unhealthy it is for a dog to be overweight. Overweight dogs are often seen by the general public as cute, spoiled or "very loved". While the dog itself might be cute, and the weight might be due to "being spoiled or loved" it is also incredibly unhealthy for the dog. It is estimated that 52.6% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese (For more info regarding statistics refer to: http://www.petobesityprevention.org/). That's more than half, so it wouldn't come as a surprise that people think an overweight dog is the norm.

Doberman Pinscher, 5 Years Old, Owned By Jamie Fincher

Granted, we all know the average pet isn't going to look like Bruce Lee, but as a dog owner, it is our responsibility to keep them at a healthy weight, though it is always recommended to go the extra mile. 

Great Dane, Pictured at Two Years Old, Owned By Jon Atwood

So, what can you as a dog owner do to help make sure your dog is healthy as can be? Let's start by talking about free feeding. It's a common practice and I have known quite a few people in my life that free fed their dogs. Free fed dogs are very likely to become overweight. Constant snacking throughout the day, especially with the combination of lack of exercise, is often times the equivalent to sitting down, watching TV and eating buttered up popcorn most of the day.  So go pick up that bowl and put Max on a feeding schedule. Once on the schedule watch his weight to see if you need to decrease or increase the amount of food.

American Bully, 3 Years Old, Owned By Julia Schwartz

Step 2 is exercise, and no, don't tell me that you have a backyard that he runs and plays in, because most of the time that isn't enough exercise for the average dog! Going out for a walk during the day is good for you, and it is great for your dog also. So go grab the leash and go smell the roses. A nice walk is great bonding time for you and your dog! If you don't have time to walk your dog during the day it is also good to look into a dog walker/runner!


Bike rides with your dog are also a great way to get some exercise in for the two of you! It can be a little difficult to hold onto the leash and the handle bars at first but it's easy to master and there are plenty of products out there to make it an even easier and more pleasant experience for the two of you!

Rottweiler (Torch von Den Dreibergen -- BH, BST, IPO1), 3 Years Old
Owned By Alyssa Larson 

Another great exercise is going for a hike. Plenty of local reservations allow leashed (some places, off leash) dogs. Hiking is especially great because there are always new smells to get your dogs nose working! I've taught my dog, Whiskey, to pull me up hills while hiking in a harness, great work out for her and she loves getting a chance to pull! We usually go off trail for our hikes, makes for a better work out and more privacy while out hiking. There is nothing Whiskey loves more than going hiking, though, she does have a close second favorite!

Olde English Bulldogge, 1.5 years old, Owned By Eddie Salas

I would now like to take a moment to discuss Whiskey's second favorite, flirt poles. Flirt Poles have to be one of my favorite (on a very, VERY long list) doggie work out tools. Most everyone I know makes their own flirt poles at home, I use a cat toy myself. Flirt Poles can be bought for very reasonable prices online, but if you feel like doing a little project, they are very easy to make! All you'll need is PVC Pipe (4-6 feet long, 3/4"), 10 feet of rope and a dog toy. Take the rope and thread it through the pipe, tie a knot on both ends so the rope doesn't slide out and tie the dog toy to the other end of the rope. Once the flirt pole has been made, it's even easier to use. Drag it on the floor for the dog to chase it, Whiskey gets excited and likes it when I wave the flirt pole in the air so she can jump for it. We only do jumping on soft surfaces, I would recommend avoiding concrete or hard surfaces that would put stress on the joints if your dog is a jumper!

American Bulldog, 17 months, Owned By Brigitte Van Der Meijde

Another great way to get some exercise in on the less than pleasant days is a treadmill. A lot people have these already for themselves, so if it's a rainy day they are absolutely great for some exercise time! There are also slat mills and carpet mills that you can purchase that are designed exclusively for dogs! Always supervise your dogs while using a treadmill, accidents can happen so safety should always be kept in mind!

Last, but not least, make sure to have fun with your dog. Exercise time is a great time to bond with your dog, teach tricks and, well, just have a good time. The more you bond with your dog the easier life will be for the two of you. Make up an exercise routine and incorporate you and your dog's favorite activities. Play fetch up and down the stairs, go for a swim or just a nice walk around the block and it will help keep you and your dog happy and healthy.

I would like to thank all the amazing dog owners who allowed me to use their pictures for this post. Some amazingly fit dogs!

American Pit Bull Terrier, 4 Years Old
Owned By Frank Dijkstra

English Setter, 3 Years Old, Owned by Hiliary Shelton
(Gotta Love That Tail!)