Our BC is 18 months old and was spade after her first season. We have noticed over past month that she seems to be putting weight on - first of all we thought she was filling out muscle-wise - but now not so sure. Up to now we have had trouble with her chewing when we are not here so have always left her with a kong and other goodies. However this behaviour has now stopped so I guess I can cut down on the amount I leave her. I never weigh her food as she is not greedy for food and usually I feel she has less that what is suggested. We also give her treats when we take her out - ie recall, sit, down, etc. I know the answer - too many treats - do you think this will help and does it take a long while to see results - I am really upset that we have done this to her - she is not obese just can't feel her ribs as well as we used to.
Any ideas to help her. She has five good walks a day so it is not exercise.

Thanks

Linda

er....... if she is over weight why not put her on a diet????

Linda,

All dogs metabolism slows down a little when they are fully mature physically, 18 months is about the time for a BC. If you notice your dog has been gaining weight, cut back a little on her food. It always does the trick.

Stacey

I think that weighing food is very important :) When I got a new pair of digital scales a while back, I started to weigh my morning bowl of muesli :D It was very worrying to see how much I was eating just by pouring any old amount into the bowl :D I always use the scales/measuring cup to weigh my dogs' food now - it's so much easier to know what you are doing if you are trying to increase/decrease what they get :)

Daisy

When at training classes I always suggest that it is OK for people to train using titbits etc. but as long as you cut back on the main meal to allow for extras. A stuffed Kong is a great treat and I were you I would continue to allow her a Kong and some snacks but cut back her main meal, measuring it out to make sure you are not over feeding. Feeding guides are not precise and you should adjust according to the amount she gets fed, as others have mentioned she needs less now that she did when she was growing.

Thanks for all your advise. I have put her on a diet and cut out most of the treats - . However, most people seem to think it is muscle rather than fat but I am not too sure as it tends to move to much - you can really see it behind her shoulders - like a line. Anyway will see what happens on the diet. Thanks again.

Linda