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Canine Weight Management & Fitness

Weight Management and Fitness go hand and hand even with our four legged friends. Fitness covers more than exercise; it’s a good diet, mental stimulation, and socialization. As a key member of the family; we need to think about their needs and requirements for good physical and mental condition.
 

This topic reaches far and wide. The Right Diet is important; especially for altered dogs. Too much food or treats can pack on the pounds, leaving you with an over weight and tired Fido. Over time the additional pounds could lead to other problems requiring medical attention or weight loss boot camp, so do not over feed.
 

On the other hand; if you have a working or sporting dog the right balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates is important to maintain healthy weight and build muscle. Many breeds in these two class of dogs burn calories at a fast rate causing fido to be under weight even without daily activity. In our business we work with a variety of dog breeds; from the family companion boxer to hunting retrievers and their diet is very important to us. We monitor their every intake day and night to insure proper nutrition balance.
 

Socialization with other canine friends along with the humans will also assist in keeping Fido well balanced and happy. Remember; Fido is a pack animal and by nature they need contact with others. They are their happiest when they are at play or hanging out with their humans. They enjoy going for rides to run a few errands. This interaction is how the human-dog bond is formed which dogs recognize as the “Family Pack”.  Without socialization Fido is likely to react with fear or aggression, even a mix when confronted with anything outside of Fido’s routine. Socialization with other canines, people, and situations will keep Fido relaxed and friendly no matter what life throws at him/her.
 

Daily Fitness Is Important whether Fido is a companion or hunter. A combination walk, jog, or fetch weekly program will keep Fido in good condition. Swimming is also a great way to keep Fido in shape and is low impact on the joints.
 

For the hunter; off season should be used to maintain proper conditioning. Athletes cannot perform their best if they are not working out on a regular basis. This goes for you hunting canine athlete as well. Fido can hunt or run several hours a day based on the type of hunting, sleep a few hours and then do it all again. Imagine lying around and someone asking you to get up after a few months of limited activity and exercise a few hours! Hunting is hard work for you and your dog. Hunting requires Fido's heart and lungs to be in top condition and muscles to be toned to withstand hours sitting, wading, or running in all types of terrain and weather. You don't want to carry Fido back to the truck the first day of the season; do you? Off season programs for hunting athletes is a must!
 

Physical fitness also promotes mental fitness. Keeps the mind sharp and prevents boredom which can promote bad habits such as chewing, barking, digging or other annoying pastimes.   So get them moving, its a win for all.
 

By Doggirl

Road to Rescue

The road to rescue starts with each of us by spaying or neutering our pets. There are many of us who have made the decision not to spay or neuter; I myself have made the choice not to neuter my field labs to fully capitalize on the developmental growth and fortitude.

However, today I encourage everyone with non working dog to have their pets spayed or neutered. At an alarming rate; there are increased strays out on the roads. We have rescued four in the last two months; of which none were fixed. With strays or lost loved ones roaming the streets; we increase the potential population of homeless dogs greatly.

All over our country, there are rescue shelters or groups popping up. Most full and over capacity; this does not even take into account the many individuals who take in strays. I would be careless if I did not mention cats fall in this category as well. We were not cat people until a few years ago. We now have three all rescued; two more we have placed and another feral we are working to befriend.

The outcome for happy endings also diminishes due to predators, getting hit or even shot by ranchers. Although cats are not likely to fall into the shot category; they are more susceptible to get eaten. Cats make great pets for barns; keeping mice population down; which in turn keeps the snake population away.

Even if you do not own a pet or wish too; there are many ways you can help; volunteer at shelters, donate food, help find a loving home and friend a kennel or shelter so you can be free to rescue without obligation.

If you rescue and are willing to keep Fido; we will provide obedience training and future boarding services at a discounted rate.

Save a pet one act of kindness at a time!

By Doggirl
 

A Message From The Hanna Family

Sent: Monday, March 28, 2011 8:58 PM
To: reservations@texas-labs.com
Subject: Moses

Tim as today is Moses's 2nd birthday, I realized how time flies and I hadn't sent you any recent photos of him. He is doing great, finally showing some signs of growing out of the lab puppy stage. We love him to death and he has been a GREAT pup. He is absolutely the best in shape lab we have ever been around and everyone that sees him agrees. We get a good hour of two of fetch most every night, but he still likes to curl up on the couch with you.

Thanks again for a great dog.

Jason and Joy
 

A Message From The Smith Family

Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2011 7:18 PM
To: dogman@texas-labs.com
Subject: Lucky


Tim thank you so much for the special attention you are showing Lucky. We feel very fortunate he is in your care. With that said we understand if he unable to become a hunter. We fell in love with him at the vet the day we found him. Our family has always wanted a hunting lab and if Lucky could hunt it would just be icing on our great find. If Lucky is not the first hunter in our lives, we will look for your help some day in the future to help us find one.

Thanks again for all you are doing.

Mark, Jeanette, Peyton and Cole