I never walk my dog. She gets plenty of exercise in other ways- daily trips to the dog park, training with the disc, romping in the yard ("omigosh SNOW!!!"), obedience training, and traveling everywhere with me.
We go hiking on the weekends. I suppose that would count as a walk. Other than that, very little "dog and human" on-leash walking occurs. Is anyone else in this situation? Does anyone think this is a bad thing?
2007-12-07 09:24:46 · 33 answers · asked by Fur and Fiction 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
No not at all. I have to walk my dogs since I do not have a yard. The days where they don't get walks, they go to the dog park. As long as they are getting a range of sights and smells, which yours obviously does, I see no problem with it.
2007-12-07 09:30:46 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I never walk my dogs either. We have a nice fenced in back yard with plenty of room for my two dogs to run and frolic. We take our dogs to the local dog park once a week as well and we feel that this totally gives them all the excercise and mingling they need with other dogs to maintain a good temperament. The only thing I WILL say is that our dogs aren't the best on a leash which sometimes is a problem when we have family members watch our "boys"....
2007-12-07 10:21:11 · answer #2 · answered by Mike B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't and really never have... I do train them and take them to training areas where they get some exercise but other than that, the exercise they get is in the backyard running with each other or if I toss the ball and stuff. I take them tracking on occassion which is a fairly short 'walk' for them but since I lay the track, it is double the distance for me :) We travel around a lot but nope, never any real leash out around the neighborhood stuff at all -- not for decades at least -- there are too many stray dogs and I haven't really seen much purpose in it given the problems that can arise - not worth it. And my dogs stay in show/trial condition anyway and I don't have behavior issues and laugh heartily at that 'dog whisperer' guy :) I guess for JQP who doesn't give their dog any attention or have a clue about training/interacting with their dog, it is better than nothing but certainly not earth-shattering in the world of training dogs by a LONG shot! hahaha (hence the disclaimer folks! hahaha) Oh, and I don't do hiking with anyone! hahaha Long past those days!! And I don't do dog parks either.
If it is 'bad', why? I have four well trained, well behaved, loving and not problematic conformation and performance titled adult Dobermans and have had multiple dogs all my life and not had to 'wear them out' by walking them...
2007-12-07 12:21:34 · answer #3 · answered by Nancy M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I had written a response then did a spell check and it erased everything. Guess they didn't like the fact that I said I did not WALK my dogs. I have three fenced fields each about an acre and that is where they run. I am usually out there with them. At time I will walk them together up to the mailbox and sometimes we walk around the field (leashed). But we live close to a highway and it is difficult to get out there to walk and with the snow..... I definitely feel guilty that I should be out there but I don't have any big behavioral problems to deal with while they are inside etc. So I am guilty of not walking my dogs.... They do go places with me but no extensive walks.
2007-12-08 08:06:16 · answer #4 · answered by Helen H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't walk my dogs. They get plenty of exercise tearing around the backyard, chasing squirrels, and playing fetch. We also go to the park and they get to run on the beach and through the woods. Three dogs on a leash at once is just to complicated and stressful. Not to mention, I am sure they would much rather run around on the beach than be dragged around the block on a leash. Nope, the only time we do leashes in when we go to obedience class.
2007-12-07 09:47:12 · answer #5 · answered by Don't shop, adopt! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a bad owner. We don't walk often. I'm leaving work now and we'll go and play in the yard for at least an hour or so. I'll throw the ball for all the labs until they are exhausted. The cocker will walk and sniff - that's her thing. They'd rather play fetch and chase each other around than walk.
I should walk more for ME because I'm the one who needs the exercise. My dogs get tons. We have over half an acre fenced. They run and play with each other constantly. Once they come in and eat, they'll go back out later tonight and play some more. They love the snow.
We'll spend the rest of the night hanging out in the family room. They get plenty of attention. And when I'm out with them they are chasing each other as much as they are interacting with me.
2007-12-07 09:32:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I walk my dogs regularly several times a day because I enjoy it. I live in a residential area and while I have a fenced back yard the walks are as much a part of my day as the routine is for my dogs. It's not something I would say is the only way because I recognize dogs thrive in other situations. If it works for you you're doing the right thing.
2007-12-07 11:38:37 · answer #7 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like you are giving your dog plenty of exercises. The dog park is an excellent way to give your dog it's daily dose of exercise. I don't do any owner/dog leas walks and if I do, it's very little. Although I do put her on the leash when we get ready to go to the park and put her in the car. My vet says she's very healthy. As long as you and your pet has a terrific relationship and she is friendly around other animals and human beings, you are doing a great job. If your vet says she's healthy, then good job!!!
2007-12-07 09:32:09 · answer #8 · answered by CHIGALORE 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
During the winter I don't. My two have a nice big fenced in yard and lots of snow to bound and play in. When the weather gets nicer, we go for walks, but it's more for me...they get to come along and make sure I'm doing it right, lol. As long as they're getting good exercise in some way or another, it's not wrong to not walk your dog.
2007-12-07 12:16:57 · answer #9 · answered by hockey_gal9 *Biggest Stars fan!* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's a bad thing. But that would never work for me...I'm in an apartment with two large, high energy dogs!
I'll be perfectly honest...I don't walk them every single day. Sometimes I am just too exhausted, and they let me know they are disappointed. I do at least 5 times a week for each one. I don't have the luxury of a back yard...and I absolutely can not take these guys to a dog park.
I figure, as long as the dog is getting enough exercise....do what works for you!
2007-12-07 09:30:39 · answer #10 · answered by KS 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋