Dogs in Running Condition

[newby]

I know how I like to keep my hounds and at times have been accused of keeping my dogs too fat. Just wondering how most of you guys like to keep your hounds looking. Does it differ for you if you run in hot weather or cold? Pictures please?

[Spokerider]

Your hounds belong to you no? Keep them the way you want to keep them.............

I allow mine a few extra lbs during the winter. If lost overnight, or longer, it will help them to keep warm and give them the extra calories needed to stay alive in the cold temps. A dog can loose significant weight after even just one night out in freezing weather.

[jcalder]

an old timer coyote hunter i know told me If you have a hard run dog you should be be embaresed to have people see the dog for being skinny. Here in Ontario my dogs run all winter. they are burning energy to keep warm at night and more when chasing yotes.
I find it is hard on a dogs feet if they are two overwight. I sure notice it when i have 10 extra pound and im trying to snowshow. JMO

[twist]

You can have a very conditioned dog that is well muscled that doesnt looked starved or in tough shape that gets the job done, day in and out the key is conditioning ahead of season by that I say at least a month ahead and be consistant on your program. There is NO need for a hound to look in poor shape in running condition. Andy

[FullCryHounds]

Overwieght dogs are just as unhealthy as underwieght dogs. Its not fair for the dog to have him 15 lbs. overwieght. It can be difficult to keep your dogs at the optimum wieght when running them so you have to look ahead. I had a dog last week loose 4-5 lbs in one day after running hard all day long. It's taken a week, but I have him back up to wieght. So keeping an extra lb or two isn't a bad thing, just don't go overboard like some do.

[lakeviewwalker]

I dont like my dogs overweight but that being said I also dont like skinny undersourished dogs. Dogs can loose weight fast in the winter when my coyote dogs are running hard I cant hardly feed them enough to keep weight on them I triple there feed and and add beef trimmings from butcher shop to keep them going and they still look lean but you can tell it is muscle and they are healthy

[newby]

they do drop the lbs. fast...i've been adding a little beef suet and lion meat. seems to be a good combo.