Reply to How Much Exercise Do You Give Your Dog?

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[quote=Anonymous]I've always believed strongly that tired dog = good dog.

I think the "how much" you need to Titrate a little dog to dog, also taking into account if they can amuse themselves doing other things.

Our bearded collie used to need hours of physical exercise daily. We could run with him 5 miles morning and evening and, in his puppyhood, that would barely wear off his energy. We'd then take him and toss the ball in a field for an hour. It was exhausting just being around him. If he didn't get exercise, he'd get into trouble - kitchen raiding, chewing walls, etc. He just had THAT much energy, and we were never able to redirect it. His last year of life (we lost him last spring), he couldn't tolerate walks much any more but we put in a dog door and he would literally wander the backyard, rain or shine ALL DAY.

Now, our Dane, who is now 10, has never needed that kind of exercise. Since puppyhood, I could walk her  for two hours, or 5 minutes around the block (or TBH, not at all) and she would be happy. She loves a walk, but is happy to play ball or whatever. She's been like that her whole life - if it's a 6 mile hike, she's in.. If is 10 minutes of ball, she's in. If it's raining, well, she's not sure why anyone would consider getting WET, so she's happy with no exercise and to flop around on the couch. That being said, she's always been a dog who is happy to redirect energy to chewing on bones, playing with a kong, or playing tug.

If your dog is suddenly becoming tired, I'd consider a vet visit just to make sure there isn't anything else going on, but it seems to me you just have a tired (aka "good") dog. You can try cutting back on the exercise if it seems to be affecting her. [/quote]

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