GSP is running out of steam, advice needed

his ribs looked good but he gained weight behind them and is still thick there but has a slight hour glass shape but his legs are all muscle, already he is fitting better in his gear. No fat clothes for him LOL
 
EEK said:
but i did notice a change in his running speed and duration.
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A change for the better or worse?

Now the free choice food is over i hope he will shed some more weight, i will be working him hard for the next few days. If his energy doesnt get back to normal i guess i will switch food again.
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Good thinking about getting rid of the free feeding. So if i'm reading this correct, his energy level is decreased since you've changed feeds? Could it be that your still over working him?? I'll say it again, recuperation time is just as important as good exercise. It may well be that his energy level is decreasing as a direct result of overworking. Since I can't observe your dog personally, you have to use your best judgment. Take it slow and gradually increase your exercise regime. Learn how to read the tell tale signs of overworking and act accordingly.

PS. one more point. How long of a period (hours) after you feed before you exercise the dog? A good rule of thumb is to wait at least 3 hours and same goes for feeding after exercise (wait approx 1 hour) to avoid any digestive problems or worse bloat/torsion.

Good luck. :)
 
Take a look at "Stout" in the next to last (as of now) entry in the thread titled "My Dog's Purdier 'en Yer Dog." That is how a well-proportioned GSP should look.
 
Thanks Britchaser... You know in my opinion this guy has thrown out so many variables that seem far fetched. I wouldnt doubt he's referring to his pet poodle!!!! On a serious note... Why would you run your dog while your on a four wheeler??? Your dog isn't Micheal Phelps... You should never expect your dog to run hard on a sunny 80 degree day!!!!! When working a dog I'd focus mainly on its mental stability rather than his physical athleticism.. These dogs are made to be athletic and genetically have the muscle mass needed for endurance.. Post a picture of this dog
 
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Bird-N-Here said:
Thanks Britchaser... You know in my opinion this guy has thrown out so many variables that seem far fetched. I wouldnt doubt he's referring to his pet poodle!!!! On a serious note... Why would you run your dog while your on a four wheeler??? Your dog isn't Micheal Phelps... You should never expect your dog to run hard on a sunny 80 degree day!!!!! When working a dog I'd focus mainly on its mentil stability rather than his physical athleticism.. These dogs are made to be athletic and genetically have the muscle mass needed for endurance...sorry just silly non sense in my opinion.... Post a picture of this dog and lets end the conversation...
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We all learn from experience. I let my first bird dog get overweight with free feeding.
 
yah I agree things happen.. I think im just a skeptic.. Story doesn't look to good though...

Anyways .. EEK best to just post a picture... Theres nothing wrong with a well built dog.....Here is an example of what i looked for when i got my dog... Here is my dogs grandfather pic 1.. and pic #2 my dog...
 
Bird-N-Here said:
Thanks Britchaser... You know in my opinion this guy has thrown out so many variables that seem far fetched. I wouldnt doubt he's referring to his pet poodle!!!! On a serious note... Why would you run your dog while your on a four wheeler??? Your dog isn't Micheal Phelps... You should never expect your dog to run hard on a sunny 80 degree day!!!!! When working a dog I'd focus mainly on its mental stability rather than his physical athleticism.. These dogs are made to be athletic and genetically have the muscle mass needed for endurance.. Post a picture of this dog
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My Setter can't go much over 45 minutes without sitting in the shade for a break if its above 70, and he's skinny this is training if yes's hunting he'll try to run himself to death. It's 80 here today I'm giving the boys the day off.
 
you're asking on a forum- even your vet said your dog needs to loose some weight- vets aren't known for knowing what a top bird dog in condition should look like- so for one to say your's needs to loose weight- well

interesting- all the excersize you say- and you are looking for a better dog food- how about a better way of feeding and knowing what your dog should weigh and look like

asuming of course- you have seen the parents and they are pure breds
you should know what your dog is supposed to weigh and look like

where are the pictures before and after the one year 20lb weigh gain
 
havent checked this thread lately, i did start to regulate the food intake and changed the food. The results are very good, dog lost about 10 pounds and snaped into his old self again, best i can tell he was eating 1-2 cups a day more than he needed, energy is way up and he looks alot better to me, i have been hunting him about 3 days a week and that seems to help as well.Thanks too all that replied and i have learned another valuable lesson from the good people here.:cheers:
 
If you were to try "Taste of the Wild" it might be the last food you ever buy. It's the only food that comes close to sustaining my hi-energy spaniels when hunting daily here in Central SD. Even then as stated above, you just have to give them a rest sometimes.
TOtW High Prairie Canine Formula has 82% absorbtion rate,makes for lots of energy, much smaller, tighter stools and smaller rations. A lot of highly marketed brands are the worst,even though they brag about hi protein and fat content, if it is not soluble, your just going to be picking it up from the yard. http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/products/dogs/dry_food/high_prairie_canine_formula/
 
Fenway said:
My Setter can't go much over 45 minutes without sitting in the shade for a break if its above 70, and he's skinny this is training if yes's hunting he'll try to run himself to death. It's 80 here today I'm giving the boys the day off.
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Heat is a huge factor.
 
My male was gassing out quicker on early season quail hunts then he was last year. The food I was feeding him last year became unavailable so we switched to purina pp and it just wasn't cutting it. Now he's on natures variety instinct chicken formula, grain free 35% protien, 22% fat. He hunted 12 days straight without tiring and he's less itchy now. The stuff is pricey but my dogs are worth it to me. It's all about finding what works for your dog.
 
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