We're curious about how much walking a dog needs if the breed has been changed. The father was full blood Husky and the mother half yellow Lab I presume and Shepherd. Personally I think he needs more than 20 minutes of walking a day, but we're trying to prove to our son that he's not doing his job.
By Josh from WI
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It depends on the age of the dog as well as the breed. But big breeds like yours need a minimum of a 45 min. walk. And that's at a good pace too, not strolling and sniffing every few feet! We've walked our dogs twice a day every day for years, and played frisbee or swim in the pool in addition to the walks. The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Milan explains why walking your dog is the most important thing you can do. Here is his website: www.cesarsway.com
If the dog is older, 7+, you may not need to walk as long. It depends on your dog's energy level and health. Remember, as summer approaches, not to walk your dog during the heat of the day. Early morning is best or early evening.
Agree with PainterLee on the at least 45 minutes for a large breed dog, irregardless of the mix--though if the dog is under six months old you're better off keeping the walks to 30 minutes while the major growth spurts are in progress so there's no damage to cartilage and bone development, supplementing that with other play exercise like the other poster already mentioned.
It really is hard to give a "set in stone" exercise regimen as a lot depends on the dog's temperament, too. We have a four-year-old Belgian Malinois that gets two 40 minute walks a day, loves the pool, and will play ball from the minute she opens her eyes in the morning until she finally collapses into a heap at night.
The more exercise the better--it'll keep the dog at the right weight and an exercised dog is usually not a dog with behavioral problems, either.
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