Walkin' the Dog

[Purron]

My next door neighbor had surgery on her foot last week and asked me to walk her dog for her. She's a great neighbor so I readily agreed. Her dog is a very sweet natured collie.

While I'm quite active, I don't exercise or work out. I gotta tell you, walking that dog twice a day has really made me feel great! She's a young dog so I've been giving her two brisk 20 to 30 minutes walks daily.

I am going to have to do this more often. I bet the dog owners out there know the benefit of having a pet who prompts you to get outdoors and walk, even when you may not be in the mood.

[Westernskies]

Welcome to the dark side!

Your cats are going to think that you are out cheating on them...

[Alan]

I used to walk our cats (seriously). When I went out for a walk they used to follow behind me for about a 1/4 mile then hide in the bushes and re-appear when I came back a half hour later and run ahead of me to the house. One time they followed DW and I on our way to a friend's house and I just couldn't explain to them that this wasn't a "walk". While at the friends house we had a downpour and when we walked back about 2 hours later they appeared from the bushes and led the way home - just amazing

However a new neighbor moved in next door and she had a greyhound that I used to walk every day and the cats stopped following

Long post to say yes, I agree that dogs are great exercise and it is hard to disappoint them.

[Achiever51]

In our household, we have to avoid using the word "walk" around the three members of the canine tribe...as soon as they hear it, their ears perk up and all run to the back door, ready for their exercise. (Actually, I think they've learned how to spell "walk" too.) So far they haven't figured out "stroll", "wander" "daily constitutional" or "out there"...but I'm betting they will soon!

[Notmuchlonger]

Dw and I take frequent walks. Well we made some friends over the years. There is a couple with 2 retrievers. We see them walking over the years. Apparently we have made a friendship with them. The couple said its just for us the dogs stop and want to be petted . Brings a smile to my face. When I settle down and have time I know exactly the dogs I want.

You can just see in their eyes how happy they are. Wish i had to the time to give to a dog. Just cant give a dog the proper life at the moment

[donheff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notmuchlonger There is a couple with 2 retrievers. ...When I settle down and have time I know exactly the dogs I want...You can just see in their eyes how happy they are.

That's Goldens. DW and I have two and provide doggy day care for my son's. Walking three of those frisky characters is a task. Luckily we are members of the nearby Congressional Cemetery "K9 Corps." We contribute to the cemetary maintainance and can run our dogs off the leash there in return. We get nice long walks that way. We also walk a couple of miles to downtown theaters and restaurants frequently. It makes a major difference in how you feel. Throw in some biking and you will feel better than ever.

[Lakedog]

If I'm not out of bed by 6:30 each morning, my lab makes sure I am up so we can go on our daily 3-4 mile run/walk (we usually alternate short stretches of running and walking). I'm sure I would not be as good about keeping the regular routine on my own -- we go at 6:30 no matter what the weather (rain this morning).

We also usually go for a shorter walk in the evenings after dinner, unless we are both exhausted from other outdoor activities.

[ziggy29]

That's one of the things I like about having a dog -- it basically forces me into an exercise routine where I get out for 30-60 minutes most days and walk around town.

[Dawg52]

Love my golden. The health benefit is one reason I got her. In fact, time to go for a long walk. Storm has passed through.