Too much exercise?

[Kristy]

Hello I was wondering if anyone could tell me when my 1 year old doodle will be content with 1 walk a day? At the moment he goes on 2 to 3 40 minute walks a day plus runs free in the park. This is the only way we can have a calm, content dog while we are at home. I understand he is still young and has tonnes of energy to burn. We do enjoy taking him for this many walks but some days we can only take him once. I am looking forward to when he will be content to be exercised once a day and happy to hang out with us at home :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

You'll know when the time is right.  Until then....just keep walking!

[Kristy]

So nice to hear I am not the only one spending all my spare time walking! Your dogs are lucky to have you work from home. I know when I am home from work Kingston is less demanding because his routine is to sleep most of the day. . He does attend a doggy day care every Wednesday. Would love to take him more than once a week but they only do it on Wednesdays, it does do wonders!! He has some doggy friends that we do meet up with occasionally on the weekends & that usually does the trick. Thanks for your reply :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

Doggie day care - a nice little break for all of you.

[Nikki]

We are doing the same thing with Botti. And since I work from home when he starts ramping up I take him outside and throw the ball until he will not go get it anymore. I have, also, started trying to get him on the treadmill because I am afraid that I am not going to want to do the walks when it is 30 degrees:) We started at one minute and are up to five--slow process but may well be worth it at the end of January!!

[Moe]

If you up the mental stimulation you may eventually be able to lower the physical stuff. You could try feeding 1/2 of her food (dry kibble) from a feeder toy, I have a  Treat Ball and a  Kong Wobbler. These satisfy the dog's need to forage. Sometimes I just throw a handful of treats in the back yard and let her hunt them down. I also have a Tails Teaser toy which she loves to chase. It helps with her prey drive and it completely exhausts her. You can make your own teaser toy by tying a long rope like a clothes line to a gallon milk jug. You just keep pulling it around the yard. My dog goes absolutely nuts chasing it. It absolutely exhausts her to chase stuff. It will only take 10 minutes and she is spent.  I think if you satisfy the dog's primal side then they are more calm the rest of the time.

[Kristy]

Hi Moe, I totally agree. I have been trying to think of ways to stimulate his mind. Your ideas sound great. I just purchased 2 nina ottoson puzzles yesterday for him. Can't wait to give them a try this afternoon.. Thanks for your reply :)