I've been reading the thread about the miserable dog and have wondered......
how far do you walk your dogs ( or how long ) i have a 1yr old Dobe ( as most will know ) and I'm just interested to see others opinions ,no oneupmanship and no arguing please ;) just opinions .....
Liz :)

,

Liz,
In my case it depends on how things are at home, if Mum is having a bad day they may not go very far but I will take a ball and give them free running, in Summer in better weather Mum comes in her chair and we go as far as we feel like often an hour or more. I aim to give them at least 30 minutes every day but they also have games and training at home. I'm lucky in that Cava has got used to this and at 12 1/2 Una doesn't need as much. On the other hand they have company most of the time and access to the garden whenever they need it. I sometimes feel a bit guilty about the exercise but Mum is my first priority
Anne
PS Haven't seen the photos will go and look now

As it was I who said this perhaps I'd better answer. I think a lot of new dog owners think it virtuous to go for long walks when ever they can, sometimes when it would be better for the dog not to. But I'm sure more experianced people know their dogs and know how much exercise and interaction is enough for their individual dogs, some requiring more that others. I've owned several different breeds and found them all able to fit in with my ability to give them walks and attention. If time is short I would rather give them a groom and quick check for health rather than the extra length of walk. Ja:)kie

Jackie - I wasn't digging at anyone ,i just wanted to know who did what
to be honest when threads get so long I'm not sure who wrote what !!
Liz :)

My friend has a two year old Rottie and takes her on the park once a day for a good run about which seems enough for her although on the days that she works all day (Wed and Thur) she just takes her maybe to the shop and back and she is very happy with this:) No matter how far you walk the dog it always collapses exhausted:rolleyes: but if you were to get the lead out again she'd be up and rearing to go again:) I think the dogs still as happy on the two days just for the change of scenery- as she's usually fine so long as they do go out- no matter how near/far- just to go out at all:)

Stacey x x x

Hudson goes out for about an hour every day ...some road walking , some free running , some heel work. IF we get a chance he will go out again in the afternoon for another walk ..apart from that he has the garden that he charges around in :)

Good topic Liz

Melody

Liz I did not think you were it was just that I posed the question so I thought I had better try to answer. And I think my feeling are that, as with all things in life you do as you think best at the time, if you are lucky you ask someone who will give you a considered, not critical answer that may help you or may not, but any input is helpfull as you know you are not alone. Dogs are very adaptable, which is why they are so easy to assimulate into domestic life, if we had to adapt our lives to suit the dog then the dog could not be considered domesticated. Never the lest if people want to worship their dog that is their right, but me, well I expect my dogs to live with me not the other way around. Ja:)kie

I agree Jackie -I just wondered ,Murph gets more some days than others
,depending on a) weather
b) whether or not we,ve had a training class
C) personal commitments
it's just that some people say ----12mths as long as you like and others say 18 mths to 2yrs .
just interested :)
Liz

Liz,

I'm the same as you. It varies depending on what else has to be done. It's usually only about 20-30 minutes though since that's all I can usually manage because I've got a back problem. Luckily TT's don't mind if they don't get a walk just as long as they've got company.

When we had the goldens they used to get about 1-2 hours walk a day. (before I damaged my back).
Dot

Liz, I think dogs are the worlds most successful parasites, and anyone with a love for them will be able to deside if the dog requires more or less walks/food/play or what have you. But if you make a mistake the dog will not suffer it will just try harder to get what it wants, if that suits you OK if it doesn't the dog will suvive with out falling apart at the seams, it' only us who do that. I think it has become a habbit to feel pressure from food manufactures, vets, behaviour specialists and other dog owners to do as they say and made to feel that anything less and we are not doing the best for our dog. What ever happened to enjoying the company of our dogs and taking the sort of care that comes naturaly to us and asking for advice when we need it.
Can we not relax and enjoy, after all we pay for the pleasure of worrying about our dogs they sit back and enjoy. Ja:)kie

Liz, I don't know that you can put a precise age on when a dog is ready for 'as long as you like' (or working competition), even within a breed. I decide on an individual basis, depending on breed, age, sex, size and most of all 'physical maturity' - or in other words 'by instict' :-).

my dogs get a varied walk. I find the spaniels out run cookie, and even though he is a cross, I treat him as I would a GSD pup, and TRY not to over exercise him, so the spaniels get more than he does. We don't have a exact regular time either. They usually get taken out straight after I take the kids to school, so its a lead walk to where ever we are headed and then a off lead play/retrieving/bit of training or if we go to the beach - swimming in the sea. I would reckon the spaniels get at least an hour off lead each time. Cookie I would say about 30 mins max. I tend to do more lead walking with him, as I like to walk him through town on his own to meet people, I've got certain shops in town, where the shop assistants like dogs, so I can take him in to get a cuddle and make friends. then they all have an afternoon walk as well. I've been thinking of alternating, one walk a free run and one some serious road walking to try to instill some walking manners!!! Sometimes they all get more, sometimes less, it depends on the day and if one of them has obedience/agility that evening that one gets less then too! My lot seem perfectly happy with whatever they get! but then I am lucky enough to be at home all day, so they are getting attention most of the time. julie:)

How much excercise a dog needs is dictated by the age, breed, size and physical health of the dog.

As a general rule, puppies under four months shouldn't be excercised excessively due to their developing bones and tissue. Puppies should not be allowed to jump from high places due to their predominantely cartilage composition in their bones, especially in dogs predisposed to hip dysplasia. Walking on pavement should also be kept to a minimum as it causes high stress to a puppie's joints, bones, and tissue.

Some breeds need more exercise than others. For example, Pointers and Dalmations tend to have very high energy levels and need plenty of excercise. However, toy breeds are categorized in the non-sporting group, and as a result, tend to have low excercise demands on their owners.

Physical health is pretty much self explanatory. If your dog is overweight or injured, well you would want to limit the amount of excercise they recieve.

However, it is important to bear in mind that many dogs aim to please and will excercise until they pass out just to please their owners. Too much excercise is not good and can injure your poor pet. All i can offer are some general guidelines as to how much excercise they should get.

Hope this information was of some help. =)

with respect bullboxers ,I was looking for peoples actual experience rather than text book advice ,as i said just wondering how far who walks what !
thanks
liz :)

Dear steve, please don't make assumptions with no supporting facts. I've owned a variety of dogs and have extensive experience raising a large variety of dogs. Furthermore, I work for a reputable Veterinarian whom i've learned much of my knowledge from. Hence, I am speaking of my own experience.

In addition, textbooks are not created by computers. All the information in texts are derived from personal experience. Whether the source be secondary or primary is irrelevent.

Dear Bullboxers ( by the way it's liz not steve ) if you care to read my origonal question you will see what i'm getting at ,
what do you have and how far /long do you walk it / often ?
liz :)

Seems your right, I did misinterpret the question. I didnt really read the question carefully. I read the thread and automatically assumed that you were asking how far you should walk your dog. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

:)

Sorry Liz my mistake.

I have a Pit Bull/Bull Mastiff puppy at the moment and I don't take him for walks very often yet because his body is not developed enough for it yet. He's only 14 weeks old and I'm restricting excercise to the dog park, indoors, and the backyard at the moment. If i do take him for a walk, it's usually a short 5-10 min walk on the grass, not the pavement.

I'll start being more lenient on the walks after he turns 4 months old. Too much stress on the bones at this age can lead to future problems such as hip dysplasia in the future. My philosophy is better safe than sorry. =)

Rob

Thankyou all for your answers
Liz :)

Anne
that was exactly what I wanted --just me being nosey ;)
Ps the pics are great !!

Rob,
Thanks at last we have seen the person rather than the theory much nicer. Can you tell me a bit more about dog parks how big are they, is there any limit on how many dogs can use it at once, do you have to join or can you just go along. It actually sounds a nice idea to have somewhere totally dog dedicated, but as far as I know we don't have them in UK. I assume they are totally enclosed which must be great for peace of mind,
Anne

DogPark Main site
Dogpark -Washington provides a good example of the dog park listing.
I've never been to one since I haven't lived in a 'civilized' section of the US for over a decade, but I've heard good things about them :)
hth,
toodles

Hi Sara,
Thanks for the info, they sound great and at least you know where you are and people will expect dogs to be off lead in these areas. There is a piece of ground near us which used to be a cricket pitch but is just a bit of wet ground now. I've always thought if it could be fenced and dog bins provided it would be a good exercise area. I am going to talk about this to other people ,
Anne

Dog parks are usually fenced in and usually funded by the public rather than the state or federal government. They can be found, however, in state parks as well as private parks. They are usually about a quarter to a half an acre big and i've never seen any limits on how many dogs can be in it at once posted. However, dog owners are encouraged to pick up after their dogs if they potty. For the most part, owners take responsibility for their animals once they are inside. No one is liable for any of the dogs contracting any diseases. However, fights can occur on occasions and owners with dominant or aggressive dogs are encouraged to make the other owners aware of their dog's aggression tendencies. It's completely free and all you have to do is show up. There are two gates. The first gate takes you into a small fenced in area where your dog's leash can be removed and re-applied after you leave. The second gate takes you into the park itself. Most dog parks have garbage cans, benches and tables, plastic bags, and commodoties such as restrooms and water fountains available nearby. It's a great place to bring your dog to excercise and socialize. You might want to think about starting one yourselves. Maybe if a few champdog members get together and help set one up, you guys can be the pioneers of dog parks for the United Kingdom!!! just a thought hehe =)

I was going to post something then remembered Leigh's Chrissy Pressy and a promise is a promise, so I posted this instead,
Anne :-D

Bullboxer

Am now curious - if you work for a vet why did you have to ask on this list about your cat?

Christine

Morning Christine --do you mind if I mail you to ask s'thing
Liz

Not at all - my address is available - don't guarantee to answer tho:)

Christine

because it's very early in the morning over here and a friend of mine called me asking for my advise. Can't call my boss yet so i have to resort to expert advise of the champdog members!

Rob

Hi Liz,
That's what I thought you wanted, glad to oblige,
Anne :-D

Hi Liz, apologise for any mistakes in this post ive left my glasses downstairs and after the meal ive just eaten moving is not an option at this moment in time :-) . My dobe who is now 6 years old is up for any amount activity (as you probably know is the case with Dobes:-) ), but Storm is equally happy with just a short walk around the block. Its just not practical somedays to take them for 2 hour long walks for example in the winter when it gets dark too quickly. I broke my big toe about 4 weeks ago and all i could manage was to hobble around the block with the dogs once a day, but they are fine with that, today was the first day i managed to do a proper walk in the woods :-) . The point is that IMO as long as the dogs are well balanced, happy and relaxed in the home and they are taken out for walks most days ranging from 3/4 hour to about 2 hours and the occasional trip to the beach it doesnt matter if some days its just not possible to walk miles and miles with them.

PS i also have a 14 month old westie and a 11 year old cocker spaniel

Regards Clair

Hi Liz,
My dogs aren't fussy at all :) They prefer staying in and just using our postage stamp yard if the weather is truly foul. If it's been nasty for quite sometime, they'll be happy with a car ride.

Because of their ages and Samm's low thyroid, I have to watch their exposure to the cold and damp. Samm is game for anything, but afterwards, her temperature will drop too low :(

I have to admit, putting her on the thyroid medication two weeks ago has produced a remarkable change on her. Her coat is gleaming blonde and slightly coarser like it should be. She's trimmed up around her waist and hip area just like she does in the summer after running along the bike 3 times a week. And best of all, she's regained her energy and that indomitable Joie de vivre spark she used to have. :)

I've been very worried that she was slipping away into senior citizenhood and at best I had another two years with her. Now she's back to where she was around 5 years old. I'm so relieved and happy.

We went out on the bike about 4 days ago during a break in the rain. She happily ran 2 miles along with Chienne. When we returned home, she did her 'happy dance', instead of collapsing for the next 24 hours.

As for how this affects our walkies??? I don't know yet. I'm still trying out her limits :) The absolute minimum is one good exercise outing once a week :) Any longer and they start staring at us if any blue peeks through. And Chienne can hold a stare for a straight hour :D :D :D
But they're both easy dogs to take care of exercise wise. If we want to hike 12 miles, they'll be right there with us. If we want to have a lazy weekend watching movies....that's good too :D :D :D

toodles

Hi sis, Thyroid has trimmed her up round her waist and hips??? Gimme Gimme Gimme, please! ;)

Yeah, it was really strange.... She didn't drop any weight... But after a week, it took out the squareness and made her sleek. Not my imagination!!!!! Hubby noticed it too We didn't even have any walkies during that time.
She's also able to eat more food without any weight gain!
Now I know you'll want the med, right? :D :D

Good greif, I must be getting old you have posted 5 times whilst I was typing one, mind you I was eating bacon & tomatoes on toast at the time, now got crumbs in the key board. Do you tink that may be why I can't spell. ja:)kie

Jackie,
You're imagining things!!! I've only posted twice in the last hour ---thrice if you count my reply to Phil. :)
I'm really not trying to "dominate" the forum as is my usual vice :(

NO not you in person Sara G*d i'm loosing the plot. Think I'll go to bed, I might be some time. Ja:)kie

rofpmsl@sara xxx

I don't think there is any text book advice on this one- Kass eats 600g of food a day (recommended 480g) isn't any where near over excercised- infact I'm always very paranoid about exercise because she's skinny:o She's always been skinny:) So I probably have an under exercised dog that's fed too much and still skinny by the books:rolleyes: Somehow I can't see a book writing this since it doesn't add up- but that's my bitch for you:D :D :D

Stacey x x x

Hi Liz, my adults rarely get 'walks' at all unless I'm doing road work for a reason but they have free running in two groups. The time & distance varies with the weather etc, but it would average out at a couple of miles (for me) per group. The oldies usually have a bit of a run at the beginning, then settle to poddle along beside me, so they don't go much further than I do, but the younger ones cover many times my distance. They all have more or less free access to a secure area that's big enough for them to get up to full speed by day and the use they make of it depends on age and whether its raining or not. Having multiple hounds (who exercise each other) and free running makes it easy and many hounds get far more exercise than mine in terms of time and distance. The hardest thing about the two groups is deciding when to move a dog from the young adult group to the oldie group, and then persuading the dog to go along with it.