Is My Puppy Getting Enough Exercise?

By D* (Guest Post)

NO your dog isn't getting enough exercise. Sitting them alone in a yard is NOT exercising them or properly socializing them.

In all honesty; it probably just annoys your neighbors by disturbing their peace and quiet. You may tune out your dog but they WON'T. Most dogs don't "just run away". Neighbors don't want the stress of complaining to a negligent pet owner. Leaving your bored, unexercised dog out for hours at a time exposes them to poisoning and theft or worse.

To keep a dog healthy, happy and socialized, you need to run with them. You need to get out and throw a frisbee or ball around with them or they aren't having a very good quality of life.

Dogs need at LEAST 45 mins+ of brisk walking/running every day. This should be in the morning so the dog looks forward to a nap when you leave for work. They'll need the same at night after their main meal too. If this is too much exercise for you; try using roller blades or a bicycle and letting the dog run.

The long walks you need to be doing will also help with socialization as long as you are the leader and ensure that your dog follows your instructions. Another dog can be a good idea but you really should have your dog's undesired behaviors under control first or you could end up with two cat haters and some real behavior problems on your hands.

If you haven't already; try some Kong toys and hide good treats inside for the dog. It's one of the few things that will occupy some dogs when they are left alone.

By

girlieLA

Have you considered another dog for him to play with? You can probably find one in a rescue that needs a good home. That is a long time for him to be out alone.
As far as the cats go. We use a little training tool that has never failed. All our pets are rescued or strays, so we have to help them get along. We lay the dog down,& place the cat on top of the dog, or right next to them, if they are not getting along. We tell them "easy, kitties the boss" and pet the dog while the cat "walks all over him/her". Worked for the pit mix and the lab mix and the new street cat (4 months-ish) that they were always chasing. Only takes a couple of times. It has worked with all 6 cats and 5 dogs. Our oldest, a boxer/pit mix just lays down when a new kitty arrives. He knows the drill, and he was labeled a cat killer by the shelter he came from. They are all indoor pets, no problems.

By Penny Custar (Guest Post)

Since you don't know how much exercise the puppy is really getting in the yard..(it could be lying around all day) Is it getting destructive, or barking excessivly which are signs of it being bored...on the days you aren't walking are you playing with it for exercise? chasing a ball (it chasing not you).. even basic obedience training is exercise....

By Pony Lover (Guest Post)

I agree dogs [big dogs mainly] should get at least an hour. I had a cockerpoo that was mean to the cat. We did some training. Make sure you keep a leash on it, and when it misbehaves take the leash and pull up, so that don't choke it though!

Keep holding the leash up until the dog sits then say good boy/girl and then get closer to the cat Example : keep dog on leash and then sit down about 10 - 15 feet away from the cat make it sit and down and you sit on a chair while you sit reading a book/watching tv ect.

By Pony Lover (Guest Post)

I agree pits are the best dogs in the world. I would exercise it for at least an hour a day. If you don't have the time you could get a dog walker.

By

luvmygingerkids

It sounds like she could use a little more exercise. She's going to be a big girl and has alot of energy to expend. Our dog is a year and also a terrier mix, and he runs 6-8 miles 5 times a week -- and he's full grown at 30 lbs. Your girl is probably going to be at least 50 lbs when she's matured.

I'm thinking your dog may need more socialization, more people contact. Six hours alone is a long time, especially for a puppy. Do you have a neighbor or a friend who can come over and spend some time with her for even a short time, while you are at work? Throw a ball, play with her, etc.?

By Sue (Guest Post)

Your puppy needs as much exercise and walks as you can give it. Shut outside for 6 hours a day does not constitute exercise! Total boredom yes, but not exercise. U say he terrorizes the cats. With GENTLE correction (not hitting) cats and dogs can live in harmony. Like us they CAN learn to respect each other and actually LIKE each other eventually. It's up to you. You can train him or let him become a cat hater. Good luck. Remember there are NO BAD DOGS only bad owners. Best wishes Sue x