People With Fat Dogs

[BlackJaq]

I am having this epic struggle on my hands every time I see a fat dog, especially when the owners are blissfully unaware and think their dog is just the picture of health, or, even worse, when they think they are doing a great thing by feeding their dog fat because it was so skinny when they got it (even if the dog was in great weight at that point)... I just really want to speak out for the poor dog and point out the health issues associated with obesity...

However, people are usually extremely sensitive of any criticism.. Gush over Fatso Pooch as much as you want but mention anything that is not sticky sweet adoration garble and BAM.... I have had some really extreme reactions and now I just about bite my tongue off in an attempt to stay quiet... Unfortunately this makes me tense up a bit and I end up standing in front of them in a stiff, awkward kind of manner, unable to do any patting or gushing at all, in case any words escape me... It's awkward.. To say the least.

So, I realize I'm an incurable know-it-all and that uttering the words "I think your dog is a little obese" is incredibly rude and akin to social suicide... But is there any way, at all, that might successfully communicate the idea that a dog might be a little (or you know, a lot) too fat without turning the owner into a venom spitting fury? The people who seemingly love their dogs the most seem to be the most crazy ones when told.. But shouldn't they be grateful that there is something they can do to improve Fatso Pooch's quality of life and potentially even extend the lifespan of their beloved pet? Why do they get so angry? Obesity is not an incurable disease and it is never too late to shed some pounds, so why the violent denial?

Any opinions? Help? Or should I just make an excuse and run away before I can make an ass out of myself?

Edited to add: I am talking about familiar people and acquaintances here, not random strangers in the street.. I do pretty much look away and run when I see strangers with fat dogs to avoid the whole issue...

Edited October 11, 2013 by BlackJaq

[Diva]

I share your concern at fat dogs, but a stranger making a comment on my dogs would get a cold reception. Unsolicited advice is just being a busy body in my book. Leave it alone unless asked or you think it qualifies as genuine cruelty, in which case be prepared for the reaction.

[Rebanne]

I would think you are being incredibly rude. And would have no trouble telling you where to go.

[The Spotted Devil]

I will always comment on the weight of dogs coming through my classes - I will acknowledge when the pups/dogs are ideal weight and also suggest when they need to lighten them off a bit - and I always explain how to determine body condition score and the health benefits of keeping their pup/dog at an ideal weight. I usually wait until the 2nd lesson so we have established a good relationship - by that time they know I'm a hard @r$e when it comes to training (the handler!) but they see the results quickly and trust me. It's never an attack on how they care for their dogs, nor do I use loaded words such as "obese" which can actually turn people away from changing feeding habits. I will talk about a little too much coverage over the ribs or the dog needing to be a little lighter. A lot of the time they are either feeding to package instructions or equate food with love. If it's the former I explain how I adjust my dogs meals weekly if not nightly depending on how they look and feel and how to incorporate training treats as part of their meal. If it's the latter I encourage them to train with the dog's meals instead of feeding out of a bowl. Then I monitor them for the next 4-6 weeks in class (longer if they do another class with me) and make sure they keep on track - lots of praise for the owner where it is due. If the dog always "looks hungry" I'll discuss food foraging, training with their dinner or substituting mashed pumpkin for half their meal.

However, it's much more difficult with friends/family and I probably wouldn't go there.....

Edited October 11, 2013 by The Spotted Devil

[cali]

unfortunately the type of people you describe don't give a hoot if their dogs weight affects their health. they consider ideal to be unhealthy and treat you like the devil for trying to tell them otherwise. I have this issue myself! I have a dog on trial right now and she is at LEAST 10lbs overweight, all the girls at work think her weight is perfect and that being able to find a dogs ribs is "disgusting". drives me nuts! I just go roundabout, I will give the fat dog rubs while cooing "aww, whos a little mc fatty pants" at the dog lol

Edited October 11, 2013 by cali

[Guest Maeby Fünke]

I think we take it personally because we see our dogs as an extension of ourselves. And that is why we allow them to get fat in the first place. We project human traits onto them.

I think you need to come from a place of empathy for the person to hear you. You need to put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if someone criticized your dog's appearance? What is the worst thing somebody could say to you about your dog?

eta

Personally I wouldn't give someone advice about their dog's weight unless they asked me for it. It's none of my business and very intrusive, and I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Edited October 11, 2013 by Maeby Fünke

[The Spotted Devil]

I think we take it personally because we see our dogs as an extension of ourselves. And that is why we allow them to get fat in the first place. We project human traits onto them.

I think you need to come from a place of empathy for the person to hear you. You need to put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if someone criticized your dog's appearance? What is the worst thing somebody could say to you about your dog?

I agree. Last week someone told me (jokingly) that my Dally was too skinny. I really jumped on the defensive before realising it was actually a joke And people have commented that I'm too skinny in the past so I am definitely over sensitive. Any comments on a dog's weight (in class) that could be taken as criticisms are always done one-on-one but I will praise their efforts in front of the class. In addition I try to say something positive, positive, negative comments on weight, positive.

[trinabean]

I guess on the flip side, you don't know if the excess weight is the result of a health condition? I've felt the frustration as the owner of an underweight (and inherently unwell) dog. So I've struggled to get weight onto my dog while managing his health issues, but copped advice from well- meaning people. It can be hard to take, especially out in public. I've come home in tears from some walks. Ironically, some of the people dishing advice to me had obese dogs, so maybe a distorted view of what a healthy dog looks like?

I'm glad my dog has finally gained enough weight to look healthy. The public admonishment from others has dried up. I know the majority of obese dogs are in all probability just over fed / under- exercised but there are exceptions. Just a thought.

[Diva]

I think we take it personally because we see our dogs as an extension of ourselves. And that is why we allow them to get fat in the first place. We project human traits onto them.

I think you need to come from a place of empathy for the person to hear you. You need to put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if someone criticized your dog's appearance? What is the worst thing somebody could say to you about your dog?

I agree. Last week someone told me (jokingly) that my Dally was too skinny. I really jumped on the defensive before realising it was actually a joke And people have commented that I'm too skinny in the past so I am definitely over sensitive. Any comments on a dog's weight (in class) that could be taken as criticisms are always done one-on-one but I will praise their efforts in front of the class. In addition I try to say something positive, positive, negative comments on weight, positive.

I think it is different too because you have a relationship with them as the instructor of the class. Very different to some random stranger.

[persephone]

Unless you are a friend, or professional who works with said dog .. comments about weight/condition being less than perfect are impolite and uncalled for ....

being so passionate, maybe casual information sessions at public venues ... with folks who are qualified .just to talk with dog owners who are interested, but may be unaware, might be something you can help organise

[mixeduppup]

I think in a professional capacity when people are seeking your expertise is different than just telling someone their dog is fat. I think it's education more than telling someone something. I have a friend who has fat kelpies and is always so upset when she sees my kelpies with a waist. I've even met spouses of vets who think dogs are too skinny when they are just healthy and fit.

[The Spotted Devil]

I think in a professional capacity when people are seeking your expertise is different than just telling someone their dog is fat. I think it's education more than telling someone something. I have a friend who has fat kelpies and is always so upset when she sees my kelpies with a waist. I've even met spouses of vets who think dogs are too skinny when they are just healthy and fit.

My bold - this is what I was trying to get across. Obviously I have a different relationship with clients as an instructor but that point is still very, very relevant.

[Kajtek]

I think commenting on the dog's weight is a bit awful

My bullies are totally OK according to their vet (I trust him 100%). They do look stocky and to someone not used to bully-build they are fat.

I get so mad when someone says they are fat!

Here is my example of a fat dog (not!)

Edited October 12, 2013 by Kajtek

[koalathebear]

I think it's something that really depends on the relationship. For agility, it's probably all right for an instructor to tell someone to get some weight off a dog i.e. it's one of the pre-requisites for safety reasons that your dog is a healthy weight to be able to do agility so if a dog is getting porky, it can't stay in the class and an instructor is entitled to point that out. It's similar to a dog with a limp not being able to finish a class etc.

I'd never just bring up a dog's weight if I had just met the person or if they weren't a close friend. To be honest, my dog friends are all pretty dog savvy so I couldn't even imagine bringing it up with dog friends without them getting offended.

In the context of an obedience class, I know a lot of people who get quite offended when 'even' an instructor tells them about their dog's weight. The instructor might think that they have the dog's best interests at heart and might mistakenly think that they a bond/rapport with that dog's owners that makes it acceptable to make that sort of personal observation but just because someone doesn't seem offended there and then doesn't mean that they don't go and express their feelings of hurt to friends and family. Everyone has a different definition of tact and as with all things, it's not how it's delivered, it's how it's actually received, so it's critical that if you're going to make a comment about someone's dog's weight, that you genuinely have the 'right' to do so and don't just think that you do. Dog comments are no different from any other comments and you never really know how something you say is going to be received. People offend all the time without meaning to or knowing they have done so.

When screening applicants for our foster dogs (and also doing yard checks), if we notice that the resident dog is very fat, I will remark about what the healthy weight is for the foster dog and why it is best for our foster dog to maintain a healthy weight. I'll also try to find out the reasons why the resident dog is so fat e.g. scavenging around small children at dinner time. It's going all right so far, to be honest in both cases I've had to make a comment, the family has actually put their resident dog on a diet and will report back to me not just on the foster dog's progress but on their resident dog's weight loss journey: "She has a waist again!" :)

Edited October 12, 2013 by koalathebear

[_PL_]

If it comes up in conversation..."oh FatFido has slipped a disc and his knees are going, he had to go on cortisone and will need surgery"

That will get a polite suggestion.

"Your dog needs to go on a diet :) you dog's body cannot cope with extra weight." etc

But you can't just break it to strangers that their dogs are wider than they are tall. :laugh: All they take away from those conversations is that you're a nosey jerk.

As the above conversation...I've even taken one of my family's dogs in under exact same circumstances, got the weight off her, got her off the steroids, got her slim and happy. She went home and they've let the weight creep back on. I keep warning them but she isn't mine and they didn't keep up with her weight watchers diet. What can you do??!!

[JulesP]

You also don't know what the person is doing to get weight off the dog. I have a chubby border collie and it is a constant struggle with her weight. She is also quite heavily built and with a curly coat looks chubbier than she is. Is pisses me off no end when people comment. Doesn't help that she is usually with my other dog who is underweight because of her liver condition and is also a leggier skinnier build in general.

[Staffyluv]

You wouldn't have received a nice response from me with my old fat staffy.. His thyroid was stuffed due to chemo and it took ages to diagnose and get the treatment right. So for about twelve months he was very big.. Through no fault of mine or his..

He wasn't over fed at all and I think to assume that obese dogs are obese because of their owner is very presumptuous.

I do realise a lot are fat from over feeding but we can't just assume these things.

[Brandiandwe]

I'd also be careful. I get annoyed when people tell me my dogs are too skinny. They aren't and although dh wants me to get weight on his boy or drop his exercise I won't because he looks good to me, vets and other greyhound people.

Having said that I've suggested to someone owning a Lurcher we meet on walks that she may like to cut the weight a little as the dog is to my eyes a little chubby and soft but is also having problems with lameness which seems to be caused by conformation issues (don't get me started on cross-breeding for pig dogs!). Oddly the owner admits when the dog is lighter, it's happier. But refuses to cut its food. So I've given up.

[Loving my Oldies]

Bless me Father for I have sinned. I have a fat dog. :laugh: :laugh:

When I first adopted Bunter (name for obvious reasons :D ) from the pound, he was slightly overweight. Over a period of time I managed to get him down to a reasonable weight, but then he started gradually putting it on again as I fed him pretty much the same as I did my other dogs. None of my other dogs has ever had a weight problem.

For a long time now he has been on a diet of 85 grams of kangaroo per day, bulked up with vegetables and/or the prescribed weight of VAN.

I haven't weighed him since the start, but I can pretty much garantee he wouldn't have lost much more than a couple hundred grams if that.

He is also walked twice a day.

He gets treats (tiny bit of toast crust or liver treats) a couple of times per week; he is shut away for his meals so he can't get to the other dogs' bowls. Before I let him out after his meal, all the other bowls are checked to see that they are empty.

He is naturally stocky with short solid legs (I think he may have Corgi somewhere in the mix) and although I am blindingly aware of the health problems of being overweight, the alternative would be a very unhappy dog. So, I guess the only way Bunter would lose weight would be to be on starvation rations and, frankly, why do that to him?

That is not to say, I am going to throw caution to the winds. I will keep on feeding him the little bit of raw meat (I weigh it out) and vegies/VAN.

[Salukifan]

Dog trainers often ending doing a lot more with people and their dogs than simply teaching obedience - not all dog knowledge involves that.

I think a lot of pet folk don't genuinely realise their beloved dogs ARE overweight. Many dogs are obese and people think any sign of ribs = skinny. They also fail to consider the toll that weight is taking on their dogs - cruciate ligament rupture is far more prevalent in fat dogs.

So I'd come at it subtlely, from the perspective of husbandry and also for those dog owners who aspire to dog sports - to assist them to prepare.

"Crikey your dog is fat" will not win friends. SHOW people how to assess their dog's weight and SHOW them what a fit dog looks like - that's giving them skills they can take or leave.

Edited October 12, 2013 by Haredown Whippets