Tails from the Crate – Stop Scale Stressing
Stepping on a scale can be a nerve-wracking moment for anyone—but for dogs, the stress isn’t about the numbers. While we may worry about the results, our furry companions are often unsettled by the slippery, reflective surface or the mysterious “creature” staring back at them from the shiny base. This unfamiliar experience can feel more like a bad dream than a routine wellness check for dogs.
The good news? You can make the weigh-in a positive, even enjoyable, experience for your pup. There are plenty of ways to ease your dog’s worries, from using creative techniques to ensure stability to turning weigh-ins into playful bonding moments.
In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to transform weigh-time into a stress-free experience while highlighting a common weighing paradox that could be sabotaging your efforts. Curious? Read on to discover how to help your dog—and yourself—say goodbye to scale stress for good.
Schedule for paw-some wagging tails
Turn weigh-time into play-time
No Lifting Required? No Problem!
Let Creativity Take Over
One more treat
Schedule for paw-some wagging tails
Many pet owners know they should monitor their dog’s weight, but without a plan, it often remains just an intention. Scheduling weigh-ins transforms this good intention into action.
When you set a specific time and date, it becomes part of your routine—just like walks or feeding times. However, feeding times and walks are daily essentials, while weighing your dog isn’t. There’s no use in fighting Fido over ounces or metric milligrams.
One weigh-in is just a number. Multiple weigh-ins reveal trends—whether your dog is maintaining a healthy weight, losing, or gaining too much. Monitoring trends regularly always leads to better decisions.
This data empowers you to catch potential problems early, adjust their diet or exercise routine, and ensure you stay on track with your long-term goals. It can also indicate when it’s time to consult a vet if there’s a significant imbalance in the data. And guess what? Vets love data, too! It helps them make faster and more accurate diagnoses. Remember: prevention is always better than cure.
A bi-weekly weigh-in is a paw-fect way to keep tabs on their health without turning yourself into a weight-watching fanatic. You could even get away with monthly checks, but the sooner you spot an issue, the faster you can adapt your approach.
Part of the challenge is mindset. Imagine weigh-ins as your bi-weekly “weigh-in cuddle time”—a moment for both of you to ensure they’re in tip-top shape for all the tail-wagging adventures ahead.
Consistency is critical, and it helps a lot to always weigh them at the same time for a reliable snapshot of their well-being. After all, you don’t step on a scale right after a copious meal, either, do you? It also teaches them the exact moment to start playing hide and seek—or suddenly need an urgent walk!
Turn weigh-time into play-time
If you need to pick up your dog to get an accurate reading, turn weigh time into cuddle time instead. Already in your head, it goes from something dreaded, which your pheromones will clearly tell your pup, to something fun, changing the ambiance completely. It shifts the task from dreaded to delightful—your positive energy will rub off on your dog.
What starts as “weigh-in cuddle time” can evolve into a playful and trusting routine. Begin on the couch and touch your dog where you will later lift. That’s the chest under the shoulder, above the elbow for the front, and the upper leg for the back.
Ensure your playful pooch isn’t turning around and coercing you into belly rub time. Once they’re comfortable with this on the couch, start holding or gently picking up your dog, reinforcing comfort and trust. Repeat this multiple times before moving to the next step.
Remember that we want to take our time for this step. It’s a very important one to reinforce the trust between the both of you.
Next, stand beside the couch and pick up your dog so they still feel the “safety net” of the soft landing spot. Make sure there are no hiccups at this stage and don’t be afraid to scale back to the previous step. These steps are no small dabbles but milestones in your relationship you shouldn’t take lightly. If you have an eager quadruped, you can go through the gears at a high pace but try to observe the body language and don’t push.
When you’re both ready, begin walking around with your dog in your arms. This is the final step to move stealthily towards the scale and casually pause for a second or two when you coincidentally stand on the scale. Mission accomplished.
When you both are comfy with the result and there is no stress anymore for either one of you, repeat from the floor and use a cheerful tone to make it a moment of shared joy. Over time, this trust-building exercise transitions into fun and interactive weigh-ins.
No Lifting Required? No Problem!
There are other options to get some fun in the game. Weigh a very small handful of cookies so you know what you gave, and lay a trail towards the scale.
Put a ‘jackpot’ of treats dead in the middle of the scale, or where you need your furry friend to stand in order to get a good reading. Be quick enough to read it and BINGO, one more reading in the bag. Your dog will see your facial expressions changing and showing signs of appreciation, which makes them want to repeat the behavior even more.
Over time, you could phase out the cookies as the association will be made eventually, but always reward your dog with a smile, a pat on the back, a minute of playtime, or maybe even a food reward—more limited in quantity or calories than during the first phase.
The third option is one for the obedience-minded. Combine a small training session with the scale. Let your dog sit, lie down, and stand in different spots, one being the scale, obviously… Use the ball as a reward if you do that in outdoor training or a tug toy.
Last, but certainly not least, is to step into the vet’s office from time to time, just for cuddles and a weigh-in session. There is no vet, or clinic, that will charge or shoot you if you just come in to stand on the scale.
Most of them adore dogs anyway and will use the opportunity to give you some pointers or help you out. There is probably a clinic in the area that you can route your walk past. Or, drive to a nearby park or parking lot where you can let your best friend start the encounter with the scale stroll.
Let Creativity Take Over
Feel free to let your creativity go full out! Whether it’s a ballroom dance that stops on the scale or a clever obstacle course, the key is to make the experience enjoyable for you and your dog. Over time, your dog will associate the scale with positive emotions, reducing any stress.
Feel free to experiment and adapt these tips to your dog’s personality. The goal is to make weigh-ins a fun, bonding experience while keeping them healthy and happy. You’ll be catching two flies with one tail wag. I hope you feel inspired to create lasting memories together.
One more treat
When you want to make it easy on yourself, and you should sometimes, there are a few hints and tricks for making life a little easier.
As we mentioned, you are always welcome to weigh your perfect puppy at a veterinary clinic without being charged. Most of the time, the scale is in the entrance or a quiet corner of the waiting room, so you don’t have to bother other animals that aren’t feeling too well. And I’ve never seen a vet upset because you care about your dog.
In Europe, some pet stores also have a large scale for their customers, and I assume it’s the same in the US. Isn’t that a great way to combine the useful and the pleasant by shopping and caring for your devoted shadow?
Remember, this is just one piece of the puzzle. Tracking your dog’s weight is essential, but it’s part of a bigger plan to ensure their health and happiness. Stick with us for the next video in the TAILS program, where we’ll continue building a healthier future for your best friend and work together towards #MoreHealthyDogs.
Thank you for your commitment to your furry friend’s health and for allowing us to join your journey.