Is it ok not to walk my dog?

Question

I have a shih tzu, and live in a very un-safe area, its fine to take my dog out when its daylight, but a lone female walking a tiny dog is not very safe after dark or early morning. During the winter months, I take my dog into the garden, that is quite spacious, and throw balls etc a couple of times in the evening (15-25mins) and once in the morning before i go to work? and he seems to love it.

We go for long walks on the weekends, as I am able to go out during the daytime.

Is this ok? Do you think he is getting enought exercise and socialisation?

Sorry if i sound like a prisoner!! haha. These things never come out right!

Answer 1

Yes! What a great person you are! GOOD GOING!!!

Answer 2

It sounds like you are doing as much as you can without putting yourself in danger. However, I know that dogs really do need to go on a walk everyday. This is not just for exercise. There is something about them walking on a leash that they really like and need. I might try hiring a dog walker or someone you trust to come during the middle of the day and walk your dog. Just a suggestion. Hope this helps. Look up the dog whisperer. He has great suggestions to any dog questions.

Answer 3

DO NOT walk anywhere with/without your dog if/when the area is unsafe...the dog will be fine...that's adequate exercise and as for socialisation, you and he are a pack as far as he's concerned which is normal. If he starts tearing up things or any other problems, he might need some more excercise time...30-45 min should be adequate. Go to http://dogpsychologycenter/dogwhisperer for advice or watch the show -- The Dog Whisperer on Nat'l Geographic Ch. The dog should be fine though.

Answer 4

its good to hear you care about you little dog lots! It sounds like you're doing everything you can.. unless you're in a position to move to a safer area? The long walks at the weekend are great and the time you spend with him in the garden is a fair amount and you say he loves it.. so all sounds good to me.. its way more than what some dogs get sadly. If you're still concerned maybe look into dog walkers in your area that can take your dog out during the day when you cant?

Answer 5

i am sure u know ur dog better than any of us, so u will know if he is happy and satisfied. what u r doing sounds great! u r absolutely making the most out of the situation and show dedicatiion as a dog parent! keep up the good work!! smaller dogs like this need to be walked less than big dogs, but can become bored ealily. only u and ur lil pooch will know when he is bored or not having enough excersise. maybe once a week you could arange with a male friend to take him for a walk, if not, just keep up what u r doing! u seem to be trying very hard to keep ur dog happy and that is so good to see !! hope i was able to help!! =)

Answer 6

Your doing what is safe for yourself as well as for your dog. You are trying, which is key, and if your dog is happy and you are happy then that's great. You can also get your dog to exercise indoors if you are concerned about him having exercise by playing games such as catch, hide in seek, rolling a ball around. There are plenty of indoor games you can try to get your dog to play with you that encourages him to be active and have exercise.

At one time I lived in one of the unsafest cities in the US and I did not have a choice of walking my dog at night. It got dark around 4ish and I my dog (small dog) wanted to go pee/poop. As a female I know what you mean. To protect myself I made sure that I had my cell phone charged and on me. Depending how late it was I would call someone and tell them to talk to me while I was walking my dog, it would be my boyfriend or my mother, just someone. My boyfriend knowing what the city was like because he went to school there, but didn't live near me (3 hours away) he bought me some mase that clipped to my keys. I also had that within reaching distance.

I never had a problem walking my dog. There were a few times, but I just got my cell phone out and talked to someone. I told them where I was, the exact location, and just kept an eye out for people in front, behind, and on my sides.

Good Luck & your doing fine =)

Answer 7

I think this is just the right amount of exercise for a shih-tzu, you sound like a good caring owner.
'Living Conditions - The Shih Tzu is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is sensitive to the heat.
Exercise - The Shih Tzu is a naturally active dog but if it is allowed it will lay around in its favorite spots. They should be encouraged to get out and about to say fit. Daily walks are a good idea. Do not over feed this breed or it will quickly become fat.'

Answer 8

well if you are not walking him let him play around your house in an open area where you canthrow the ball and he will still get alot of excercise or let another friend or neighborhood dog come to your house and play with you dog then he will be getting enough socialism. I think that should give him enough excersize but still every once in a while you should walk him but if you do this you dont have to walk him as much as you think you do. but dont have him run around too much otherwise his little feet might get worn out. lol.

Answer 9

If it's an unsafe area, then I think your doing great! I would not take the chance either, of getting hurt or my dog getting hurt. He seems to be happy, and being a small dog, that sounds like plenty of exercise. He's lucky to have such a caring owner.

Answer 10

You are doing just perfect - keep it up. It is difficult at this time of year when it is dark am and pm - never jeopardise your own safety. Is it possible (and safe) for you to have a dog door put in - that way the little fella could come and go into the garden as he pleases. Well done for being a considerate dog owner.

Answer 11

it's important for dogs to walk, not just play ball. Even small dogs need to walk but it's not worth putting your life or your dog's life in danger for. Walk when/where it's safe and play the rest of the time.