How often do you take your dogs on walks?

1. 85

   oceansnsunsetsposted 12 years ago

   How often do you take your dogs on walks?
   
   What is the best recommendation on how often you should walk your dog, or let them get exercise?

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2. 61

   ardenfrposted 12 years ago

   I, personally, try to take my dog for his walk at least every other day. I try to make it every day when the weather is nice. Walking your dog regularly has several benefits:
   
   The dog gets exercise as does the owner. Regular exercise is also a known stress fighter a brisk walk in which you build up a sweat is better than a slow lazy one. We want our dogs to have strong hearts and muscles.
   
   The dog is able to not stay "cooped up" this will make you dog more manageable as it won't be so restless (especially if your walks are of a fairly brisk nature.) Tiring out our dogs makes them happy AND manageable.
   
   A dog is not designed to lay about all day (neither are we.) regular activity helps keep the joints properly functioning which will help combat joint damage (such as osteo arthritis) later in life.
   
   Also, your dog might get the chance to socialize with other dogs and this helps build its confidence and friendliness.
   
   I'm sure there are many other reasons but I'm sure that you get the picture, regular exercise is good.
   
   So, I'd recommend at least walking your dog 3 or more times per week, every day if possible. You'll both be better off for it.

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3. 60

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   According to Dr. A. Luescher, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, formerly of Purdue University, now I believe in Switzerland, dogs should get a minimum of a once daily walk off the property for emotional health and to prevent behavior problems. Most people think of physical exercise, and while that is important, dogs also need mental stimulation to remain healthy.

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4. 93

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   We live in a rural area with land so we don't really take them on walks. We do take them outside daily and play fetch and run around with them. They have a large fenced area where they can play with each other. They spend around 2 hours a day outside playing either with us or each other. They get more exercise and mental stimulation this way then they ever would if I just walked them around the block.

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5. 94

   alexadryposted 12 years ago

   Once a day, we go with our Rottweilers on a one hour walk full of stimuli: cows, stray dogs, cats, people, tractors and squirrels. I recommend changing roads and places so dogs get the chance of encountering different stimuli.

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6. 85

   Linda Blissposted 12 years ago

   My doggie is a high energy, super intelligent Entlebucher Mountain Dog and he needs lots of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise to feel good. He gets three walk s a day, a quick whiz around the block in the morning and in the evening - and a longer (about 1,5 hour) in the middle of the day. In addition to the walks we also play lots of games, like hide and seek his toys in the house, brain games like Nina Ottoson, and obedience training.

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7. 61

   Pannonicaposted 12 years ago

   I take the dogs out every morning, regardless of weather, for at least one hour. I live in a very rural area and we have plenty of different routes to take.
   They need the exercise, so do I.
   They out again around 5pm for about 30 mins. As I have more than one they also play together outside throughout the afternoon and the advantage gained is that they are very happy, relaxed dogs and we usually find they sleep and rest quietly all evening (and night!)

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8. 65

   afriqnetposted 12 years ago

   This depends with the breed of the dog. There are dog breeds that are more predisposed to obesity and may require regular walking while others may be OK with walking them once in 2 days. But I think walking your Dog once a day would be ideal
   Dr Joe

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