A study from the National Library of Medicine shows that overweight dogs are more likely to engage in unwanted behaviors.
The survey consisted of 43 questions and details about the dogs' age, sex, breed, neuter status, body weight, behavior, and more. The data collected comprised 11,154 dogs, of which 6220 were male and 4935 were female. The dogs were of over 80 different breeds.
The results indicated a correlation between obesity and negative behaviors, such as guarding and stealing food, aggression, fear of walking, and poor recall.
It was also found that owners of overweight dogs tend to have a different ownership style and relationship with their dogs than owners of dogs not considered overweight. Specifically, they are more likely to perceive their dogs as " babies " and tend to allow them to sleep in or on their beds, which could also partly contribute to behavior issues.
How to prevent dogs from getting overweight
Plenty of exercise is necessary for every dog. It’s at the top of the list for creating a well-behaved and balanced dog. Ensure your dog gets 3-5 short walks daily for 10-15 minutes each. Also, they must run hard daily in your backyard, dog park, or a doggie daycare.
Plenty of enrichment and mental stimulation. This can be in your house, yard, or doggie daycare. Meeting your dog's needs by teaching it how to think will make it tired and less hungry.
Monitor their food intake. Free feeding could cause a dog to gain weight because the dog doesn’t know portion control. Only give the dogs the required portion sizes according to their age and weight.
No Snacking. Never feed your dog from your table, even if it is begging. Snacks for overweight dogs include green beans, freeze-dried beef, or freeze-dried chicken liver.
These are just a few suggestions. Always consult your vet regarding your dog's weight and ask for their recommendations. Try not to let your dog get 5% overweight. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, that’s only one pound. If your dog weighs 100 pounds, that's only five pounds.
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