Sandra: nice-looking fellow, I like his pretty markings. His expression is pretty sweet too - I love them shepherd faces

But I agree with the others; I looked through the rest of your album and that dog is so badly obese that it makes me sad.

Maybe you could start a new post (in the health or feeding section of the board) and state what you're feeding Koda, how you're feeding (controlled portions or free feeding), any health issues (joints, allergies, etc.) that he may have and what type of exercise he gets.


A raw diet is definitely the best way to go for the guy. You'll be so pleased and surprised by the changes you'll see if you switch. We're all more than happy to help you figure out making the switch to raw. While your main concern with him may be behavioural issues, sorting out his health and fitness should go a long way towards turning him into a happier and more mentally stable dog.

As Steven said, even the best behaved dog can be turned into an annoying monster if it lacks sufficient exercise and stimulation.

A 40-minute walk may seem like a lot to you, but it isn't enough for an adult shepherd. Take that dog swimming if you can. Swimming is as easy as it gets on the joints, it's a great way for the dog to exercise comfortably in the heat, and it's a wonderful workout that you don't have to worry about overdoing.

Oh and don't ever vaccinate him again (his body is under enough stress as it is with the hugely excessive weight).


I hope you don't mind getting all this unsolicited advice

Again, we're only concerned about the dog's condition and this isn't meant to offend you in any way.

Welcome to you and Koda :-)

When Thor was 135lbs I gave him 3/4lb of chicken(white meat) and some greens (green beans, carrots)... and an egg. He got a few supplements too with marrow bones. Not sure if this is enough of a variety, but over a month he lost 15lbs... probalby to quickly but he was so fat he couldnt walk more then a block without trying to drag me home. He had a 'pork chop' on his chest so his nick name for a while was 'porky'.. He's much happier with 40lbs off of him.

 Quote: carol boche

I would feed the quantity for 2% body weight......

Have to add to Carol's suggestions- the 2% should be 2% of the dog's IDEAL bodyweight-not 2% of what the dog actually weighs.

How old is this dog? Is he neutered? Over-vaccinated? Sorry if I missed it somewhere, but these things are sometimes contributors to obesity via thyroid issues, etc. I agree w/Yuko-no more vaccines; this dog is under some serious stress just existing at that weight.

I think you'll be shocked at how fast he'll metamorphosize on a raw diet. Don't bother asking the vet's advice unless you have a really progressive vet. Raw food is not going to hurt this guy-trust us on that. Start out with easy stuff, like chicken w/no skin; this boy could do without excess fat at first, and it'll be easier on his stomach. Also, once he gets carbs out of his diet, cravings will cease, and he'll be content w/much less food. Promise!

I'm always criticized for my dogs being too skinny, but I've yet to hear of a serious medical condition resulting from being svelte (Caleb calls it his "heroin chic" look ). There is plenty of data out there stating the dangers of obesity, as well as the fact that less food=longer life. Keep him around; he's a handsome boy.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

 Quote: sandra faye johnson

http://s30.photobucket.com/albums/c320/ldyharley79/?action=view&current=goodlookingkodacopy.jpg

Oh gosh.

I hope you don't feel attacked here, because that dog is eating WAY too many calories.

If you want to PM me about what you're feeding, feel free. It hurts my heart to see a dog on the way to joint disease and a whole mess of other health issues.

You're on a forum (and it's a GOOD thing) where the dogs matter a lot more than the feelings of the handlers.

Actually, I DO feel attacked. Koda only eats once a day and eats a kibble with all natural ingredients. He gets walked every day and I throw a ball or a frisbee with him for about an hour after he cools down. His vet doesn't seem concerned about his weight even though I ask about it. Koda isn't a standard GSD. If he was standing next to a standard size GSD, he would look like a giant. I have never seen a GSD as large as Koda in my life.
Koda doesn't get treats and he doesn't eat people food.
I am concerned about joint issues because he is so large and believe me, my vet is the first one I discuss this with.
I'm sure all of you know a lot more about GSDs than I do but I feel that I am caring for Koda the best I know how.

Yes and the vet my old neighbors went to with their huge Golden Retriever didnt see a problem with that dogs weight either.

In the pictures it looks like the dogs body is pretty round, I dont care what breed or special mix or what the dog has, a dog should have his ribs all easily felt, his last 2 ribs somewhat visible and a clear indentation in his side between his ribs and his thighs with an hourglass figure from above. I do not see this indentation or hourglass figure in your dog at all, unless your dog has some type of skeletal defect, I gotta say that he is fat. I have told probably 50 people in person who have come for training that their dogs are fat, none of them like to hear it, some of them continue to ignore it and their dogs stay fat, others later thank me when they have made some changes and see the immense difference in how their dog looks and behaves.

Please look at this picture, you can see on my dog from the shine of the sun where his rib cage ends, a section where his waist indents and then his thighs.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/40/105300041_83b0d11029_o.jpg

This is how every dog can and should look.

If there is a medical reason why your dog is unable to lose weight or a thyroid problem as someone has mentioned then that is something else, but barring any unforeseen medical problems, I don't care what a vet says.

I don't mean to sound rude but there is a saying, "you can call my wife fat, just don't call my dog fat". People are very defensive when it comes to how fat their dog is, I know a friend who is an assistant school teacher and she made a lil girl cry because she said she was getting a new puppy and she told the lil girl not to feed the puppy too much. People for some reason seem overly sensitive and their dogs weight and their abilities to properly care for a dog. I fully understand it, but sometimes you have to look past your pride for the sake of the dog.

After looking at the other photos in your album, I can agree with the others here that Koda is overweight. I do hope that you don't take this personally. This isn't about his size in terms of height, certainly he may be larger than a standard sized GSD...I would be very concerned about joint issues and instead of taking offense, I would definitely look into some of the ideas that have been posted here.

As for him not eating people food, maybe it's time to start...give him some real meat lol

Oh, one other thought...if he is eating a small amount of food and getting a lot of exercise...have you thought about having his thyroid checked? Perhaps there is something going on there.

Melissa

I would LOVE for my dogs to swim and have tried talking to my husband about getting an above ground pool for the dogs. Not anything fancy, just deep enough for the dogs to be able to get that type of exercise. Allowing the dogs to swim in lakes around here isn't an option due to so much development, pollution, alligators, etc.
As for vaccinations, the only ones they get is the rabies and that's a Florida law. I have discussed this with my vet long ago how I feel about over vaccinating. My pup is done with his puppy vaccinations and he won't get any more other than rabies.

Because everyone here is in agreement that Koda is over weight, I will re-think his diet and exercise regime. I know for certain that I won't be able to feed four dogs the RAW diet due to expense but maybe I can just feed Koda that way.
I was under the impression that forty minutes at a good pace was sufficient exercise for ANY dog, especially when it's hot.

Sandra...I commend you on your attitude I've been thinking on this one and I really wonder if there is something medical going on...my thoughts just keep returning there.

Of course, I'm used to maniac working line GSDs who I have trouble keeping weight on!

Edited by Melissa Hoyer (07/08/2007 08:27 AM)
Edit reason: clarification

 Quote: Melissa Hoyer

After looking at the other photos in your album, I can agree with the others here that Koda is overweight. I do hope that you don't take this personally. This isn't about his size in terms of height, certainly he may be larger than a standard sized GSD...I would be very concerned about joint issues and instead of taking offense, I would definitely look into some of the ideas that have been posted here.

As for him not eating people food, maybe it's time to start...give him some real meat lol

Oh, one other thought...if he is eating a small amount of food and getting a lot of exercise...have you thought about having his thyroid checked? Perhaps there is something going on there.

You may be right about that and it's something worth checking into. Koda has never been a 'chow hound' and even during obedience training, he wasn't interested in treats. He preferred his rubber ball as a reward.
Maybe he has had a medical issue all along and I just didn't realize it. He had his yearly physical not too long ago and again, his vet didn't say anything about his weight. I'm not going to sit here and say that Koda's weight is from a medical problem because more than likely it isn't.

If I were to start Koda on the RAW diet, where do I start? Does he need vitamin supplements to go along with this food and will the change cause his stomach to be upset?

Melissa

I think because I see Koda every day, I don't notice his size. It's like seeing an old friend from high school. We were skinny kids back then but now we have 'filled out' and the difference is remarkable.
If you guys will help me get this dog on the right track like you're doing, I will be forever greatful.
Tell me where to start.