Quote Originally Posted by Dr.Goodnow
Excercise!Excercise! Play and good solid nutrition given in lower amounts.

Humans sometimes forget that treats have calories and fat too, since we don't want to not be able to treat our pups once in a while, take a good look at your own personal habits, do you or are you planning on using treats as a reward in training? If so add those in and adjust her excercise and kibble accordingly.

Are you active? If so think if you can include her in your non sedentary time (we ALL love the couch cuddles). My guy needed to gain weight and Sequoia needed to lose some, ( we have a hyper and hypo thyroid here 1 of each).
For their sakes I had to get off my butt (sigh and I was just settling onto it too!) We are at 5 miles daily, Sequoia cannot yet make all 5, she was too overweight and out of shape, and Rusty is bordering at needing more. We walk, (you wouldn't even want to see me jog! car accidents galore from drivers cracking up watching me) but we WALK at a brisk pace not strolling pace.

Play time helps too, use tug toys to help her tone up back legs muscles, neck and shoulders. also a great way to have fun establishing you as Alpha, you ALWAYS win and then when game is over you as Alpha are a hero when you let her have the toy.

Talk to your vet about using the RAW diet, no caloric issues as the food is naturally right. He/She can help you determine the proper ratio to feed,and she will be healthier for it without additives (no offense to anyone feeding kibble it's just my personal belief that natural fresh and no additives are better for ppl and critters) RAW isn't for everyone, but if you want to explore it your vet can be a great wealth of information.

Finally challenge her, if she can do 1 mile easily make it a mile and a half, etc. You will love the time spent, she will love the bonding, and you both will love a happier healthier her!

Good luck!
I'll talk to Chad about the RAW diet. If he likes the idea & we can afford it, I'm sure he'll go that route. Or do RAW & Kibble until the kibble is used up, as we just bought the bag (50.00).

Chad doesn't want Bear to have a tug rope. Hes scared she'll accidently tug on someones arm, instread of the rope. I do kind of agree, as we don't really know the dog yet & using her mouth in play could go wrong.