Quote: michael_wise

.... cod liver oil. It is one of the easier ones to over-do. Just feed liver in the proper amounts given for a raw diet and consider that base covered and stop the cod liver oil. .... Same with the multi .... The two things that should be supplemented are fish BODY oil and vitamin E. The modern diet, due to farming practices, is lacking in omega 3 EFA's. Fish oil is the best way to supplement that into the diet. Vitamin E is used by the body to protect the omega 3 EFA's, therefore, it only makes sense to supp. it, too. ...

'Zackly. There isn't enough fish oil in a capsule every other day, and if you upped it to be enough, it would be too much fish liver oil.

Fish body oil (which you know by the missing word "liver" on the label) is what you want.

Thanks for the advice, i will stop the multi and liver oil and source the other items.

As for the whole fitness thing i will video it and start a fresh post.

its hard somethimes being the only rott in a club with 40 gsd's.

thnaks for the advice on carbs, will just stick to veg and greens.

Steve Strom

Andrew, Steve Strom has a rottweiler and shepherds and might be able to give you insight into differences re conditioning. Send him a pm (private message) and I'm sure he'll be able to offer you some advice...

Well, since everyone has about covered the diet aspect, I will touch on the physical.

Assuming the dog is healthy and has no orthopedic or muscular issues, then you need to get him on a training regimen. As you are going specifically for the AD, you need to run this dog. Three mile a day walks off leash will never cut it, ever, if you want to get him in working shape.

Start by walking him a mile at a fast pace. Not an off leash amble, but a determined fast paced walk that has no interruptions. After warming up, run him for a half to three quarters of a mile, and then walk him at an easy pace to coll him off. Do this three days a week (I run them Monday, Wednesday, Friday personally and we have training Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday...) Watch his paw pads. They will get worn down faster than usual until calluses form.

As he is a Rott, and not in great shape, I highly recommend starting this work in the cool evenings or even at night. The heat adds a whole 'nother element to the conditioning.

After a week or so, shorten the warm up walk to a half mile and up the Running distance. Every week, add a half a mile or so to the running portion and keep the warm up/cool down walking between a quarter of a mile to a half a mile at the beginning and the end. Continue this until he is easily running three miles. he will likely be panting, but should not feel the need to lay down and look close to dead.

From there, you can add distance on your own or follow a specific regimen. I like and used this one: Conditioning For the AD and it will give you an actual goal for each run.

Keep in mind, you need to lower your expectations when adding hills or heat. And watch you dog. Know when he is doing well and when he is bad off.

If you have access to a tread mill, they are great as a supplement. and using the incline feature is helpful for adding resistance. Just be careful with the dogs body signals and STAY CLOSE! This is forced exercise and when the dog cannot stop on their own injury can occur. Quinn runs at five mile per hour at the highest incline ours has. He can go for miles but I keep it at three max. He is on it off lead and knows how to jump off when he is done, so it is at his convenience, not mine. We always go for a walk before and after the treadmill run and limit the frequency of this form of exercise.

BUT, if you are more interested in just over all conditioning, then you need to do more. Swimming is one of the BEST! Fetch into a river, lake or the ocean will keep a dog moving and cool at the same time. It will not condition the dog for the AD, but is a great over all workout.

I also incorporate weight pulling for bulk, strength and power. A CORRECT weight pull harness and a weights (I use a tire). I have the dogs drag the tire on walks and slow jogs. This is sport in its self, but you MUST use the proper equipment and not just the harnesses you find at the local pet store.

They also run hills, up only and walk down. We have a rock quarry that has HUGE sand piles that I let the dogs run up. They know that "easy" means slow down.

Finally, I have the dogs dig on command in dirt or sand for back and shoulder exercise and to have fun! Beach or lake/river sand is great. Wet or dry it is a fun exercise.