Oddly, more exercise is one way to improve condition on a healthy dog. My sheepdogs always come back from their trainers (100 acres in the mountains) totally ripped and several pounds heavier in all the right places. I've scaled waaaaaaaay back and don't have as much work as I used to for keeping a dog muscled up and HUNGRY.

We still have chores and walks, but compared to their trainers it's nothing. They expend as much energy in one training session as they do all day here, and they work twice at least. Plus, they go on a couple of five mile ATV rides a day. Um, the humans ride; the dogs run. Always ramp up an exercise program slowly and with a vet's approval.
Becca Shouse: Irena Farm, Semora, NC

Cord, Ted, Gus, Zhi, Maggie, Lynn, Lu, Min and Tully - and Sam!
Waiting: Bubo & Ben
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