Keeley,

I do sympathise with you and obviously you are concerned about your dog's well-being BUT I can't understand how anyone can expect a dog to be happy and contented when left alone all day long (especially a springer). Would you sleep all day if left by yourself? I'm sure the novelty would wear out very soon. You would certainly need things to do for such a length of time and a dog can't entertain itself in the same way that we can! You certainly wouldn't expect a baby to sleep all day either (mine didn't) and I had to spend most of the day entertaining them!! I only leave mine for a maximum of 4 hours and that's not very often (the dogs, that is. The babies are big now and at school!). I suppose you'll say that I'm lucky and you have to work, yes but you don't have to have a dog! Too many people get dogs without realising that they are a BIG responsibility, very time consuming if you look after them properly (but also a good excuse for a long walk).

Sorry to be so negative but I really think your dog is very normal and you should not expect anything else. None of my dogs has ever tried to escape, by the way, as they've always been content at home and given plenty of walks.

Hi Diane,

Thanks for your opinions, but unfortunately there are lots of people here who have disagreed with you, so I'm happy to take the majority's advice.

My main question was whether or not it was cruel to keep Toby whilst we work 3 days a week, and to the best of my knowledge only 3 people, including yourself, have said we shouldn't have a dog.  There are lots and lots of people who work full time and have animals.  I do realise that a Springer is more difficult, but that's exactly why I'm working more with him. 

Sharon

I've haven't posted so far as I felt others were already saying everything that I would have said, however, if you are wishing to tot up the numbers for and against keeping a dog when working full days I would like to add myself to those who are against it. 
I would add though that I think numbers for and against are not particularly relevent to you now you need to examine the rationale offered by each poster and do a bit of self searching and see if what they are saying applies to your situation as in reality a pole of opinion will not have any effect on your or your dogs happiness.

Hi Isabel.  I'm just pointing out that my initial question was whether it was wrong to keep a dog whilst working full time, and hardly anyone has said no.  I was asking for reassurance, and I also got some wonderful help and advice on how to keep him occupied when I'm not there.  I didn't ask for the whole situation to be brought up again.  I've had the advice I was after, and I've thanked those that helped me.  I've made my decision now and I'm happy to work at things with Toby.  I don't want to start a discussion again.

Sharon :)

Keeley

I'm afraid I have to agree with some of the others in that the amount of exercise he is getting does not sound enough. Our two dogs are mostly in the garden while we're at work and they've never attempted to escape (granted, one is a puppy and is still probably a bit small). However, our older dog (17 months old) gets AT LEAST an hour of exercise before work and more in the evening. We also make the effort to take him to the local forest park, river etc so that he can swim, chase squirrels & rabbits etc and have variety in his walks. When the puppy is old enough, she will get this too. A tired dog is much less likely to look for mischief.

I don't want to sound like I'm attacking you, after all my situation is not that different from yours. The only difference I can see is that our free time revolves around the dogs totally. Yes, this means sacrificing a lot of things like nights out with friends, spontaneous weekends away etc but that was a sacrifice we were prepared to make in order to have happy, settled, well-adjusted dogs. If I couldn't give them every second of my free time, I probably wouldn't keep them.

I truly hope you find the right solution to your problems but I do think that if you want to keep your dog, you need to be prepare to make sacrifices elsewhere.

Good luck

Hi, we do make sacrifices for our dog.  I must admit I'm not one of these people who think their dog is their 'baby' - he's a dog, and all I want is to be able to have a bit of 'time out' from him.  This discussion has gone completely the wrong way - I wasn't asking for advice on whether our walks are long enough for him, but I can see that if that is the advice you all feel you must give to help me then that's fair enough.

I am going to tell Dave to walk him more during the morning, as suggested by someone above.  But no, I don't devote every second of my spare time to him.  I certainly don't go away on weekends (well I do, but I take him with me).  I don't class us as being bad owners (not that anyone has said that), we do everything we can for Toby, and as I said before, I wouldn't be on this web site if I didn't love him and want the best for him.

Hi Keeley

Sorry, I was typing my message at the same time that others were posting so I didn't actually see that you can come home at lunchtimes etc and I can see that you genuinely love your dog and want the best for him. And in response to your original question 'am I cruel?' - no, I personally don't think you are. After all, that would make me cruel too, wouldn't it? as my situation and yours is similar.

I guess because we don't know what Toby is like, it is easy for us to say what you SHOULD do. And, for what its worth, I know what it feels like to want time-out. Our two can be little sods when they want to be but I have to keep telling myself that I wanted them so I have to take responsibility for them even when I could cheerfully strangle them :D I wish I could give a foolproof method of being able to prevent Toby escaping but I can't. Coincidentally, a woman I work with has a Springer cross also called Toby and he's been an escape artist most of his life (he's 9 now and still doing it). You probably won't want to hear this either but he's still as energetic now as he was as a puppy. They've tried all sorts to stop him escaping but he usually finds a way out...particularly if there is a bitch in season nearby.

I really hope you find a way to make it work. Hopefully, some of these suggestions made by other members combined with your apparent willingness to make changes will soon show results. Fingers crossed for you.

Thank you, I apprecite your support, and I'm sooo happy that you can see I'm not the 'dog owner from hell'!!! :D

shaynlola-i'm glad i'm not the only one who's homes life revolves around the dogs!! I'm more a creature of habit than they are-if i haven't had them out by 6.30am, 2.30pm and 9pm i get restless and start pacing!!!!!!

keeley, i don't think you're selfish for thinking about keeping your dog in through the day. Quite the opposite. Provided there's nothing he can hurt himself on, or destroy, then you'll have peace of mind knowing he's safe. Why not leave an old piece of clothing with him, and leave the radio or tv on? I do this for my two. I'm lucky though in that i only work mornings and i'm home by 1.15pm. I couldn't work full time. I couldn't bear leaving them the full day, but thats my choice.

as for the exercise comments, i do agree with other posters that 20-40 mins walks aren't enough. Springers are notoriously energetic. Please please don't take this following comment as a personal attack-it isn't at all, i'm simply commenting. You said,  "I didn't realise, and wasn't warned, what I was taking on with a dog of his breed.  The rescue centre simple passed him over without so much as a question.  Had I have been informed at the time of purchasing him, I may have re-thought the situation." You have to accept some responsibility as you chose to take that dog on, and in fairness (this is the comment), you could have researched the breed first which would have advised you on their needs. Like i said, that wasn't intended as an attack at all (i'm cringing here).

i have two labs. The pup gets 3 x 10-15 mins walks (he's just gone 12 wks), and the oldest gets about 45 mins in the morning (which consists of about 10 mins on the lead-the rest is off runinng and swimming....or chasing grouse/pheasant), at the very least an hour in the afternoon which is 95% of lead running, then another 30-45mins on a night, which is off lead. I'm lucky-i have a valley, woods and river behind me! And she has a harem of friends that normally join her for a run.

i think the coming home at lunch time is fantastic for him. Its a shame that not all full time workers are in a position to do that.

i shall now and go and skulk off back to my cuppa and minding my own business!!!!

nicola x

H Keely.  You just mentionned a two mile bike ride - will he follow if you ride your bike?  I don't advise using the leash, very dangerous for you.  But if you could develop an interest in mountain biking yourself and bike those 20 min. morning and 40 min. evening outings (pedalling fast) he'd being going much further than two miles and running instead of walking and/or sniffing the peemail.  Worth a try if you can do it safely for both of you.

Hi Jestone,

My husband was just saying the other day that he needs to fix his bike so he can take Toby out with him on a bike ride, so hopefully that will be happening some day soon.  Not me though, I don't do bikes!!!

With all due respects, does seem there are lots of obstacles or "issues" in your life that may get in the way of some options/solutions given to you.
Matters that wouldnt be seen as "problems" by many other people, but just realities, burdens, and changes that have to be made, incorporated, and accepted into the life of a dog owner.
You have mentioned a few times that your dog is "stubborn" or "hyper" or "not trained", etc.
These comments do indicate a great deal of understimulation (boredom), espesh for his breed type. (and maybe age)
Also, it does appear that you havent yet had the Road to Damscus epiphany that "thinking dog" gives you, as some of your comments have "appeared" to have been written from an anthropomorphic point of view.
No offence intended, just respectfully assessing the information you have made available.

You are right about the Kongs. They arent designed just for dry treats, but to be 'high value'.
That will be why they didnt work before.
Kongs, like all of your situations, will need positve and active interventionist involvment from yourself and your husband.
You can put his normal food in them, but strategically place nice treats like bits liver, cheese, etc.
You put one of these on the top, then one in the centre, then lots more at the bottom, to drive dog to really focus on the Kong. You can line the insides with cream chesse, peanut butter, honey.
You need a few for 8 hours.
You can freeze them, so they take longer to empty.
Some you can seal with cheese, then microwave.
Then there is the tied up treat towel I mentioned before.
But you cant just present them to him one morning.
He has to been Kong-trained first, so he is a Kongaholic.
So, for a good few days and evenings, you need to enthusiastically play with your dog and the Kongs.
Get on your hands and knees, tug them, roll them, etc, etc. Sound like a child, whoop it up.
Your husband to.
What are your feelings on the next things?
For dog left at home, you have DAP Diffusers, Herbal Calmers, radios, smelly clothes.
If more stressed,  Rescue Remedy.

Hi Clutha,

Yes, there are 'some' things in my life that mean I can't take everyone's advice, such as not having a big enough garden IMO to build him a nice run etc, but that doesn't mean I'm not taking the advice on board, it can always be used if other ideas don't work first.

I agree that he is probably understimulated, and I will in future be doing more training with him in the evening, along with the obedience class.

Thank you for your advice about the Kongs, I'll start him with that from tonight.  As I said before though, he does tend to only play with his toys when we're around, he just doesn't appear to be interested in them when we're not there - even his utmost favourite toy. :(

""You say that it's cruel to keep him because he 'sounds unhappy to want to find a way out' but at least two people during this thread have told me that 'most dogs' would try to escape from a garden, so I don't think that's anything to do with his breed, or him being unhappy, I think it's him being a pain in the behind and wanting to chase birds.  Slightly bored perhaps, but then that's his choice - he's given tons of toys to play with.  You wouldn't give a baby the amount of attention Toby is demanding at the minute - even with a child you could expect them to sleep at some point, play with their toys or be tired after a 2 mile bike ride or something similar.  He's quite unique I'm afraid.""

I said its in the nature of dogs to jump from gardens, but I dont know if I am 1 of the 2 posters you were referring to. If so, your interpretation above isnt what I meant?
I meant only natural if they are bored, not trained for these, and arent supervised.
Yes, he jumps the garden as he is bored, but "also", mostly likely, he is anxious at your abscence (you mentioned that earlier) and thus searching for you. To say its his "choice" to be bored as he has plenty of toys is again an anthromorphism. Dogs just dont think think in this humansied planned reasoned way.
True, he may wish to chase birds. But even that doesnt indicate "he is being a pain in the behind", but that he is using one natuaral canine behaviour to replace some others that are lacking for him.
He isnt unique, he is a typical understimulated active young member of one of the working busy type breeds. I know, I work in a rescue centre, also train and give behaviour advice as a living.
Dealt with lots young Springers, which came into my rescue. Owners said the same things as those you have written here. 

Ok fine, I give up.  Clearly whatever I type is going to be repeated and shot down in flames.  I understand everyone who's given their opinion is entitled to it, but aren't I entitled to mine too?  I'm sorry if I'm using the wrong choice of words for my replies.

""This discussion has gone completely the wrong way - I wasn't asking for advice on whether our walks are long enough for him""

Sorry, just read this. Surely, that is part of the discussion?
Your dog jumps fences for a reason. It has been agreed by all and yourself he is bored and understimulated for his type.
Length/quality/manner of walk thread track is logical, surely?
People call out behaviourists/trainers for a specific reason/"problem".
But never give advice *until* they have examined and questioned the dogs AND owners complete lifestyles.
Holistic approach.
And then recommend ALL the changes required accordingly.

No, I asked for advice on whether it was cruel to keep a dog of his type when working 3 days a week full time.  I was simply telling people about how he'd managed to get out of the garden.  The one bit of training advice I wanted was about training him to learn to stay behind the gate when put.

I understand and appreciate that he's jumping out of the garden because he's under-stimulated, and I've said many times that I'm going to address that, and have thanked people for their advice.  Now it's just turned into a personal attack against me IMO - sorry if you don't agree, but that's how it's making me feel.  I feel like I'm being branded a 'bad owner' (again, my words not anyone elses), and I don't like that.  Would you? 

I havent called you a bad owner. As you wish, I can address your OP as literally written.
OK, yes, to keep a young Springer type in the manner you have decribed could be described as cruel, as it goes against his grain.
But I havent said that. I thought it more contructive to try and help you keep your dog by advising you (from my experience) the changes and solutions necessary, as I dont think you are trying "to be cruel".
But as you wish, I have now addressed your post as you just requested, but I'm disappointed that you prefer this negative posting to my previous ones containing *wider* constructive suggestion.

""No, I asked for advice on whether it was cruel to keep a dog of his type when working 3 days a week full time.  I was simply telling people about how he'd managed to get out of the garden.  The one bit of training advice I wanted was about training him to learn to stay behind the gate when put"""

Again, the above demonstrates that you havent "thought dog" yet, and seem to imagine that each issue is independant/immaterial to the other.
Dont take my word for it, like I said, get yourself a Behaviourist in. Try UKRCB, COAPE. APBC.
They wont go with your approach.

I know you haven't called me a bad owner, that's why I said 'my words, not yours' its just how I've been made to feel.

As for a behavourist not going with my approaches - no, I dare say they wouldn't, which is why I've asked for some frigging help.  I'm not pretending to know it all, I just wanted some friendly advice, not an argument - again.

I don't think I've ever said that I'm not appreciative of your comments and opinions, why is everyone forming this opinion of me?  Where exactly have I said anything that could be read as 'sod off, I don't want to listen to you?'

""Again, the above demonstrates that you havent "thought dog" yet, and seem to imagine that each issue is independant/immaterial to the other.""

No, I haven't thought dog obviously, which again is why I'm asking for help.  Or have you got to know all the answers before you are allowed to ask for help on this site?

:)

Hi Keeley,

Why don't you go and have a cup of coffee, watch some TV or read a mag for a while and take a bit of time away from this thread to chill out.  I think if you re-read it later when feeling a little less sensitive you may get more from it ;)  Sometimes when replies come in thick and fast on a topic it can make the OP feel badgered, but if you actually take time to read them thoroughly and in a calmer frame of mind I think you'll find that you've not had negative feedback at all - it's just that at the moment it probably seems that too much is being fired at you in quick succession.

You've had some very good advice which has taken in a broader view of how to overcome your original problems - sometimes as owners we are too close to see what is really causing a situation or how best to adjust things to suit.  Certainly from your information not keeping Toby outdoors when you're at work will be safer and less stressful all round and being able to pop back at lunch time and give him some extra time and opportunity to go to the loo will make a huge difference :)  Please try and have a break, re-read things and then you'll almost certainly feel better equipped to understand the posts as they've been written rather than just react to them (which is natural ;) )

Everyone has offered some very good suggestions, Clutha in particular seems to have her finger on the pulse here - so please don't take offence.  Regards, Teri 

Thanks Teri - I don't know about reading magazines, but perhaps I should do some work?!

Thanks for that Teri, I was just trying to be professionally holistic in my advice.
You are right, I have been guilty of posting in thick and fast.
Not the best way to reply, I agree. But as I'm a busy little bee today, and didnt really have enough time to post on this thread, I thought posting quickly better than not posting at all.
I had some insight and experience on the matter, wanted to help, so not posting wasnt an option.
BTW, I am a man. LOL

cheers, clutha

>BTW, I am a man. LOL<

Yikes!  I never stick up for the guys - makes them (well my own :rolleyes: ) feel all self righteous :D

Seriously, I can see exactly where you're coming from and wasn't actually criticising you for coming back and back - usually when I'm involved in a thread I tend to reply as other posters come on too and of course the OP always has additional info or comment.  Just the way it goes on a forum ;)

By the way I'm a girlie :D (often see me referred to otherwise - breaks my heart :D :D :D )
Teri   

LOL...me too. Have been so engrossed in CD and this thread that I have been neglecting my duties somewhat!! :D Will have to blame you Keeley, when the boss asks why I've not completed my work :D :D

Hi Teri,

I've had a nice, long read-through this post, and I can see that everyone's advice is excellent and helpful.

What I can also see though is a slow decline into criticism towards me.  The we have Zoe (sorry to use names) calling my husband selfish.  How can someone who loves his dog to bits be selfish?  There's a few people on this site who devote every single second of their life to their dogs, and that's absolutely fine, but I don't want to be critisised (sp?) because I don't walk my dog for hours on end every day.  I do what I can do for him, and IMO I don't think it's 'cruel' to not walk him all day long, or cruel because, as yet, I've not sorted out how much mental stimulation he needs.

I just felt like people were saying I wasn't trying.  If that's wasn't what people were thinking then fair enough.  I don't feel the need to apologise because I don't think I've been rude or offensive to anyone, or at least I hope not.

But, I still think some of the replies were a little 'personalised' and not addressing the question that I asked.  And it all started off so well........ :D

Thanks for your ideas though Teri :D

Take more time :D  More coffee, soak in the bath, then take the dog a walk :P   If you really have to hit the vacuuming, laundry, gardening whatever!  As for hubbies being selfish, if yours ain't don't advertise it on here or we'll all be after him!

Teri ;)

LOL!!! :D

Teri
Things NEVER get bad enough to make me want to tackle the vacuuming. With a Chow cross and a Newf in the house, I've grown accustomed to the tumbleweeds of fur that blow gently across the hall in the breeze. I find them quite relaxing to watch, actually :)

I do hope I've not come across as rude or ungrateful.  I'm very grateful for everyone's advice, I just don't understand where people got the idea from that I'm wanting 'quick solutions' etc etc, I thought my responses to people's advice was fine Was it not?!  :)

Anyhow, I'm taking it all on board, and I'll be bugging denese for that telephone number for a nicer, higher gate for indoors, so hopefully that will tackle the problem.  I know that Toby is a working dog, and that he requires more patience, understanding, training, time and attention etc, and I do the best I can for him.  If, in the end, he clearly requires more attention than I could possibly give him, then I'll have to have another word with the husband, but hopefully things will settle down in the future.

Thanx

I have to say i agree with clutha on this one, & i dont think you are a bad owner Keely.
Another thing you could also try on top of clutha's advice is also to hide food round the garden, stretch his mind a little more. Springers NEED mental stimulation ... giving them toys to play with , it wont work if he's stressed because you've gone he wont think to himself oh i'll play with these untill my owners come home as clutha pointed out dogs think like dogs not like humans.
You could also look at his diet too.
As for the jumping over the stairgate, train him to do it on command. He has more than likely worked out for himself that if he keeps jumping the stairgate it gets him attention of some sort & some dogs will DO anything for any kind of attention ! He may even think its a game now too, just like some owners "train" their dogs with recall .... the ones where they stand & ask the dog to come & the dog goes into a play bow & takes off around them instigating play. Without seeing him its hard to say if he's playing, attention seeking or is stressed because he cant be with you.
If it were myself in your situation & i was feeling how you are i would call in a behaviorist, if he's insured then perhaps depending on your insurance they may help with this cost. If he's not insured & you do want to keep him then i'd get him insured wait the 14 days or whatever it is to make a claim & then go through your vets for a referal, if not .......
In my humble opinion if you cant stimulate him mentally & physically & there are too many things going on then to be fair to him & your own sanity i would consider re-homing him, i know that this maybe sad to hear & a little contravertial ( sp )
I hope i havent offended you as this wasnt the intention, just being honest x

You've not offended me at all stanley, thanks for your advice.  I have been thinking about a behaviourist, and yes, we are insured.  If things haven't settled down within the next month with the help of todays info, then I'll make an appointment and take him to the vets.  But I have a feeling that, as most people have pointed out, he's just the way he is because of his breed - why couldn't he have been a springer crossed with a greyhound?! 

I really thought that the idea of simply not speaking to him and putting him back behind the gate would work after a while.  I couldn't believe it when he jumped over the gate over 20 times, straight after we'd put him back.  It works with children eventually, but obviously not a dog!!

Thanks again, Sharon

Keely the amount of walking you give yoru young energetic dog is what my 13 1/2 year old bitch still gets, and this is a breed that are not hyper energetic yes bvut very chilled out at home.

You should be giving him at least an hour in the morning on your working days ( I am assuming he is a young adult here) and the same in the evening.

On the other days I woudl want him out for an hour walking and as much again playing off lead, twice daily.

Yes but those same dogs then bark at what they can see rather than settle quietly.  Springers are easily excited and stimulated anyway.

Hi Keeley,
Are there any dogs that could be on heat around?
Regards
Denese

Hi Denese,

Yes, we have 3 female dogs either side of our house.  Toby was castrated though in April - would that still make him behave this way?

Hi Keeley.
Yes! it could make him that way. Its his nose that
smells the bitches, even though he's been done!!
They can still try to mount, ect;
Regards
Denese

Slightly bored perhaps, but then that's his choice - he's given tons of toys to play with.

Seriously?

He has probably played with all his toys and gotten bored after the first few hours. You already said yourself he is bored, so yes, he is escaping. I'm not saying its not natural for a dog to jump a fence, but you could at least make life so exciting so he doesnt have to. IMO he is escaping to find fun.

There really is nothing left to say, I feel you are getting defensive now. You came and asked our opinion, I have given you mine AND tried to help. Im sorry if you are angry with me for this but I am entitled to my views.

>I wasn't asking for advice on whether our walks are long enough for him,

Keeley, I know you were not asking advice on this, but most of us feel it may help your current situation if you take it.

We are not having a go at you, you are obviously trying your best for Toby or you wouldn't be on here or enrolling him in classes.  If I didn't think you were, I for one would not be trying to help you.

Give the suggestions a try, some may just work, some won't, different dogs, different situations it is trial and error I am afraid.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on.

Thank you Sandra.  I do hope I've not come across as being 'uninterested' in peoples opinions, that's not the case at all, I've appreciated everyone's advice.  I just feel a little 'under fire' right now.

Oh don't start Zoe, I wasn't getting defensive at all, but you did call my husband selfish, which lets face it, is likely to get my back up just a little.

So, how can I make his life exciting enough not to jump a fence when I'm not there?  Not being sarcastic, seriously interested.

I've taken everyone's comments and thanked everyone happily, I don't see why you think I'm getting defensive.  I've been very polite, but do feel that people are jumping on me purely because I don't walk my dog for hours on end and devote every second of my life to him.  I do the best I can, and I'd rather do that than send him back to a rescue centre where he ends up getting beaten every time he escapes from a garden/jumps over a baby gate etc etc.  Under the circumstances I'm rather proud of what I do for Toby, he's a very very difficult dog, and I deal with it, even when, like the other day, he jumps up at me and smacks me in the face (not for the first time) making my mouth bleed.  I have lots of tolerance with him.

I've not ignored anyones advice, but have had to respond to your suggestions - maybe I should have just kept quiet and read everything instead of writing back

Just re-read this Zoe, and thought I'd mention that he actually escaped within 20 minutes of me leaving him this morning, so it's unlike that he'd gotten bored of his toys already.  It's like I said before, he doesn't even attempt to play with them, he just wants us all the time unfortunately.

sorry, this was supposed to have come underneath Zoe's post about Toby getting bored of his toys in the garden within a couple of hours.  :rolleyes: Blo**y computer!!

Hi Keeley,
There are some nice rought Iron gates, that are better than
a stair gate and look better.
I have put one on the other side of our front Oak part glass door,
It looks good as well, as We have a male Sam who just loves sitting
in the porch watching the world go by. He sits in the porch with
the door open, The Gate opens outwards. He loves it!!
Regards
Denese

That sounds fantastic Denese, can I ask where you bought it?  And how much it was?  Could I get them off e-bay do you think?  That's my worry with getting a bigger dog gate, looking unsightly.

Hi Keeley,
We got our's from a women who sell's All rought Iron gates and fencing.
At Lea Marston Car Boot. It was £10.00 with all fittings.
I'll ask my Hubby when he comes home if he has her Tel.No.
We also brought our rought Iron fence that goes on top of the wall in the
front garden. She sells, and has some much, she must trade eles where as well.
I'll try and find out for you.
Regards
Denese

Thanks Denese, that would be very helpful.

Keeley was simply asking a question regarding her dog...she was not asking for a running commentry :-( so how does that make her husband selfish Zoe

My little man can only go out for upto a 20 min walk per day once his allowed out so my breeders advised me, i cant even take him on the beach :(

HI blues mum, thats suprising to hear, espesh if advised from a breeder. Is he sick or something?
Ahh, just edited to say, maybe its because he is only a very young pup, in which case the advice is correct from a wear and tear on young bones and limbs point of view.
But that would only be temporary, if true?

Hi clutha, his a Great Dane, she said it wouldnt be a good idea to take him on the beach as the sand would be a bit much on his joints and he shouldnt go out for long walks as this also could be hard on him because they grow so fast, its upto a year i think that ive got to watch how much exercise he has which i will do, but its a shame, i love going out for walks, especially on the beach!
Saying that he gets enough exercise indoors playing with our golden! :)

I am suprised they suggested 20 mins @ 12 weeks. Most breeders don't recommend walks until 6 months - apart from perhaps driving into town adn doing some socialisation? Be very careful and please double check with your breeder.... there is a problem with HD in danes so you need to be extra careful :)