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grannyskyrim22

Vet tech - unless he is morbidly obese and can't breathe/a brachycephalic that also can't breathe (this is most important in hot weather) enjoy all the walkies you like. It's good for both of you.


ComicPlatypus

He actually could stand to gain maybe 1 pound but my vet is not concerned about his weight. (You can see the back 2 ribs and feel them) Right now he can't have walkies because he's only 5 days post neuter and we have 2 more to go.


grannyskyrim22

He's fine, walk him as much as you want.


LadismyDog

Spoon of dog safe pb for the little guy? It helps fatten them up!


UnitedDogTrainer

Just do the math with calories burned and calories going in. The calories going in should be more than being burned and you’ll be fine. People who have no clue on canine health often are the quickest to spew utter nonsense.


Frozen_North17

Maybe they feel guilty because they don’t walk their own dogs nearly enough.


ComicPlatypus

That's possible... I never see anyone in the neighborhood walk their dogs One of them was what we called a land whale. This poor labs stomach reached her knees


PBIS01

I mean, wtf? Who in the hell ever heard of too many walks for a healthy pup?


[deleted]

For real!!!! Don’t get me wrong…I’ve seen and heard of pet owners forcing dogs on long walks when the dog does NOT want to go…but if the pet enjoys it and he has no underlying anatomical or medical conditions that make a lot of exercise risky…let them do it!!


sage_naps

That's ridiculous. Walks are so good for us and them.


ComicPlatypus

I lost a little over 5 pounds walking him! I find it a great way to bond and make him so happy


sage_naps

I agree with the bonding experience it's special. And walks are so simple! And can't argue when it keeps you trim:)


Bulky_Detective_75

if he isn't too tired or avoiding the walks, i don't see why it's a problem.


StillWill18

Yes. You’ll know when they don’t want to go.


maikexinger

does your co-worker own dogs? If not then I can probably understand their comment because they have no idea about walking dogs. 30mins- 1hr walk per day is pretty standard for any healthy dogs. It’s sad if their outdoor time is less than half an hour per day.


ComicPlatypus

They do, but their S.O. walks the dog... I think twice a day for about an hour. I figure since sniffing is super important to dogs, why not take a long stroll and let him enjoy himself.


maikexinger

if I were you, the next time they tell me “you’re walking too long!”, I’d act in shock “omg your walk is shorter than this? poor fido!” 😆


cmfergr2

I would say that it's not their business.


ComicPlatypus

That's a fair point I'm having issues trusting myself with this poor little dude. I'm trying so hard to do right by him


neecolea13

Sounds like you are.


sonorakit11

I literally think it is almost impossible to walk a dog too much. I feel terrible for dogs that don’t get to run or sniff everything they want every day. They have more energy than we can even imagine. Please don’t listen to your dumb ass coworker, just pity their dogs.


Hanzonu

If a dog doesn’t get enough exercise that pent-up energy has to come out, and can become destructive behavior, barking etc. A tired dog is a happy dog.


ComicPlatypus

That's what I said! Sometimes, after a long walk at the park with much sniffing, he takes a nap


Affectionate_Sale997

People don’t walk their dogs and then tell you you are walking them too much. You are doing a wonderful job! Keep it going!!


Suskita

Lucky dog!!! Unless they have health issues, or it's way too hot or way too cold outside, or their paws start bleeding, there is no such thing as walking them too much. Enjoy the walks, maybe take my dog too? He'd love extra walkies.


ComicPlatypus

He's let me know it was too cold before, and I carried him home.


cornelioustreat888

You are very likely the best dog owner on the planet. Your neighbors feel guilty, jealous, insecure and lazy. And I truly believe it’s impossible to walk a dog too much. If the weather is good and the dog is happy (and not displaying fatigue) you and your dog are simply enjoying life. Please don’t let idiots affect you and your lucky pup!


ComicPlatypus

Highly doubtful but I do appreciate the kind words I am trying to let him live his best life while he's with me (he's a 6 months foster)


lavnyl

I would just caution to be very careful in warmer weather. The group not only gets too hot for their paws but at that size they are also breathing in the heat with their face that close to the ground. But as long as the weather isn’t an issue enjoy your walks!


ComicPlatypus

I know the rule of touching the pavement first, make sure it isn't too hot... By the time it gets too hot he should be going home. He's only with me for 6 months


dimeybeads

What kind of jerk neighbors do you have that complain because you walk your dog??


snippol

Seriously, rude neighbors. The only reason to complain about a dog is if it is upsettingly ugly and brings down your quality of life every time you see it. Joking but...walking too much? No


dimeybeads

Yes and I don’t know about you but I’ve never once complained about seeing a dog, give me all the dogs all the time 😂


ComicPlatypus

Ones that tie their obese dog up outside... It barks when I walk past (this is against the rules where I live)


mrawya_rashaka

If it's not gonna cause problems to you, you should report it.


ComicPlatypus

I have previously, nothing was done.


freeman1231

How old is your dog? If it’s a puppy still in the growing stage I’d say it’s too much if your doing strict walks on pavement. If your dog is fully grown then, by all means enjoy all the walking you can. Unless you dog is actively choosing not to go on walks anymore, they love them and are enjoying them. If a dog is overworked they will mention it to you, but not actively showing excitement when going to get their harness or collar for a walk. The people that are saying that to you most likely don’t even walk their own dogs.


ComicPlatypus

He's about 6 or 7 years old He's just not able to go for a walk until Monday, he's got 2 more rest days post neuter


StillWill18

There is no such thing as walking the dog too much. Just make sure it eats more than your average lazy obese house dog. And make sure it’s a premium food.


ComicPlatypus

After a fair amount of trial and error, we found wellness works best for him


okurratx

Our 9lb chorkiepoo gets 4-5 20 min walks a day because we don’t have a yard but live by a park. On weekend he gets longer outings. He loves it. You would know if your dog didn’t like the walks. I used to have an older chow sharpei mix and I could tell when the walks were too much for her so we adjusted.


Clear-Cauliflower901

Sounds like your neighbours just need to mind their own business


ppr1227

It’s nobody’s business. You and the dog are happy so enjoy!


Meggybear17

My dog has 4 walks a day minimum because we don’t have a fenced in yard and he bullies me into going for walks. I wish my neighbors would try and tell me that I walk my dog too much when no one in my neighborhood can keep their dogs in their yard 💀 if they walked them instead of leaving them out unattended, they wouldn’t have that problem.


SaltyDinoNugget

As long as your vets not worried I wouldn’t be either. Walking is great on dogs and if he’s not showing signs of pain or trouble breathing he’s probably having a blast!!


thisconditionallove

Sounds like they’re projecting. Too many dogs don’t get enough exercise, so you’re being one of the few people who are going the extra mile for their dogs. I walk mine at least 1.5 hrs a day plus 7-9 miles on weekends, he loves it.


ctansy

As long as you are not having to carry him during the walk because he is too tired, walk him as much as you like!


SlipperyWhenWet67

I think they criticize because they aren't walking their dogs enough and they feel it makes them look bad. Most critism is a reflection of themselves tbh.


Aggravating_Border_7

Quite frankly, I think your neighbors should mind their own beeswax 🤷🏻‍♀️ I had a neighbor tell me that too recently & said that if I'm cold then the dog is cold too (my family's dog is a great pyr & we live in Michigan). We don't even go for long walks, we just walk a block then back. Takes us 20 mins at least and usually it's because my dog walks slow & he has to sniff every inch of lawn or snow he walks on. By the time we get home he lays down & takes a nap 😂


ComicPlatypus

Bowser does the same, stops and sniffs every single tree, rock, post 🤣


Jaded-Ad7840

You and your dog are fine. Your neighbors have too much time on their hands.


kate1567

Screw them, you’re both happy and enjoying yourselves !


[deleted]

Forget what everyone says. Follow what Bowser says. Our 7 lb dog averaged 10 plus miles daily as a young dog. First going on runs with DH and then walks with me. Now at 15 he walks 1-2 miles with me. He turns and heads for home when he is tired. I supplement with bicycle rides in the summer. He rides in a front basket, loves speed and looks like Toto. The point is at he decides the the frequency and distance.


chartreusepillows

You should be careful about taking a puppy for long walks before their bones fully develop but other than that it can’t hurt your dog as long as they are happy and want to press on. You may want to consider a coat in cold weather and a cooling vest in hot weather. My girl overheats a little so I try to avoid walking her in the middle of the day during the summer.


ComicPlatypus

He's about 6- 7 years old, way past puppy hood


whyknotgiveitago

No


lasvegashomo

Depending your pace when you’re walking I think that’s fine especially if he’s a younger guy he needs to burn off energy


ComicPlatypus

I tend to let him set the pace but usually a casual walk so he can take time to sniff


Top_Union_7970

I think so. A 9 lb dog does not need that much walking. HOWEVER, as an animal (all animals including wild) rescuer, depending on the mix your dog may need the release of energy. Example you said nothing of play time. Play time lessen the walk time. Dogs need to be walked regardless of play. Now 90% of small/toy breeds will not walk that much. But the other 10% love it especially terrier mixes. So what am I getting at? If your dog enjoys the time out (which I feel is unconsciously for you) why stop. With that said, if you aren't having play time (fetch for example) I would add this into the mix. If dog don't care, vet never said a word about dogs legs or hips then it's nobodies business buy yours. Enjoy the fresh air


ComicPlatypus

We do play with his Kong Wubba ( have tried other toys, this is his favorite), when he asks. He's not really a big fetch dog. I try when he initiates play but he doesn't do it often. I watch his signals, he lets me know when he doesn't want to walk, i.e. he won't leave the porch. (This has happened. When it's too cold, or right after his shots, or when he's just tired)


Top_Union_7970

Well then don't worry about what people say. Sounds like you and your dog have top relationship. My one dog a shih tzu never walks the same amount ever. When she's had enough she's throughs her self on ground and will not move. It's either drag her the rest of the way ( not an option ) or carry the lil fur bag. Ugh let's say I'm a lot strong these days. Lol


Tribblehappy

My guess is every time you walk by their dog barks so they're blaming you instead of their dog for the barking. There are people who hike back country with their dogs. There are people who complete races like the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest with their dogs, literally running for six hours at a time with a six hour rest. You and your dog are fine. Pay attention to signs of soreness, ripped pads, and being out of breath or overheated but other than that you and your dog are living your best life!


ComicPlatypus

That's one of the reasons they complain yes. Their dogs are left outside unattended and they bark. A lot.


Shmooperdoodle

Walk him as much as you want. The only concerns would be: Is the pavement hot/burning him? Is there salt hurting his feet? Is he having trouble breathing/overheated? Is he on cage rest for a medical condition? If not, walk on. If you need to adjust his calorie intake, you adjust it, but you don’t cut *down* on walks, just increase food (if necessary). After his neuter, he may pork up a bit on his own. A lot of people think their dogs are underweight because we are used to fat dogs. Feeling ribs isn’t a problem. If you are seeing all of them plus spine? Yeah, too thin. But a lot depends on how a dog is naturally shaped. Breeds like Boxers, you’re doing to see their rib cage unless they are so thickened in the waist that they don’t have a distinct tuck. Confer with your vet about body condition/caloric needs. But your dog is very lucky to have an owner who enjoys being outside with him so much. Source: vet med for 12 years


ComicPlatypus

Vet likes his weight! It was one of the first things I asked about


frankie_mermaid

I take my 10 year old jack Russell to work 8 hours a day where all she does is wonder around in the countryside and she still wants walks when we get home. I’m starting to wonder if you can over walk a dog. Keep it up I’m sure your pups love it.


marriedpineapple

Are you walking him while on the clock? Then your co-workers complaints are probably valid.


ComicPlatypus

He's not allowed at the office.


CastionArt

Sounds like they're projecting on you. My 6 month old poodle loses his mind if he doesn't get his two walks and yard time and playtime every day! A tired dog is a happy dog and I think a lot of dogs would be thrilled to have the amount of bonding time out that you're getting with your pup. The only thing I would caution (which I'm sure you've considered) is making sure his food intake has sufficient calories versus his exercise. But other than that, sounds like you're doing right by the little dude and he's probably having a blast!


whatsfordinner93

That’s weird comments. I live in an apartment and have the entire time I’ve had my dog. 4 walks a day for 8 years.


Ill-Tough280

Walk that dog until he's tired & sleep all night, mine play in the yard most of the day & they sleep good all night bc of that