vieshot
Well-Known Member
Around two months ago I somehow ended up purchasing a pitiful looking sighthound for the grand sum of £60. She was very underweight. Took her to the vets first off and they were shocked at her lack of muscle. Only a year old or so but it was obvious she had just been locked away in a conservatory or similar with no exercise.
I took her out into an enclosed area just to see how she would behave off lead. She tried to sprint but the lack of muscle meant she just fell over on the corners. She did one lap then collapsed exhausted because of her lack of fitness. Straight back on the lead for the next six weeks, walking each day but with absolutely no off lead work again until her muscle was built up enough to manage without injury.
Her first times on a lead were eventful. She hadn't a clue. She dragged me everywhere. Bouncing around like a kangaroo. Everything was fascinating.
Because we go on the forest everyday all my dogs are expected to get straight in the shower afterwards to wash them down. The poor girl was petrified. I had to lift her in and she would just shake and try to lay down.
So two months on and she's a different dog. She's up to weight with ever improving muscle tone. She walks quietly on a lead. I let her off for a sprint each day and she can motorbike round like a pro. The best bit is that I now don't even have to tell her to get in the shower, she walks herself straight in
We still have a way to go but I'm dead chuffed with the progress already made.
I took her out into an enclosed area just to see how she would behave off lead. She tried to sprint but the lack of muscle meant she just fell over on the corners. She did one lap then collapsed exhausted because of her lack of fitness. Straight back on the lead for the next six weeks, walking each day but with absolutely no off lead work again until her muscle was built up enough to manage without injury.
Her first times on a lead were eventful. She hadn't a clue. She dragged me everywhere. Bouncing around like a kangaroo. Everything was fascinating.
Because we go on the forest everyday all my dogs are expected to get straight in the shower afterwards to wash them down. The poor girl was petrified. I had to lift her in and she would just shake and try to lay down.
So two months on and she's a different dog. She's up to weight with ever improving muscle tone. She walks quietly on a lead. I let her off for a sprint each day and she can motorbike round like a pro. The best bit is that I now don't even have to tell her to get in the shower, she walks herself straight in
We still have a way to go but I'm dead chuffed with the progress already made.
