Keeping Your Dog in Shape

Follow these hints to maximize the effectiveness of your fitness strategy.

• Provide fresh, cool water at all times.

• Consult with your vet to find a well-balanced food that meets your dog's nutritional needs.

• Remember that you control your dog's intake. Your dog cannot go to the fridge and make a hoagie. Have a family policy about feeding your dog and stick to it.

• Never feed your dog from the table.

• Fine-tune meal size to suit your dog by beginning at the low end of the recommended amount on the package and adjusting the portion to meet your dog's activity level. Your dog is an individual; her needs might vary somewhat from the package instructions.

• Reward your dog's good behavior with love and attention instead of treats. When overcome with a generous impulse, treat your dog to toys as opposed to snacks. (If you can't break the snack habit, be sure that treats make up less than 10 percent of your dog's daily caloric intake.)

• Dogs who spend more of their time outdoors will expend more calories than dogs who stay mostly indoors. Compensating for cold temperatures and increased activity requires more nutrients than lying adoringly across your feet.

• After spaying or neutering, your dog may be a bit less active, which can mean he doesn't need to eat as much. Also, if your pet feels less of a compulsion to roam, that means you have to be more proactive about exercise.