[Alexp08]

So I've been looking into getting another dog currently I have a lab. So I've been thinking about the activity level of the new dog. So my question is about exercise. I on average can provideo at least 1-2 hours per day, more on weekends. So say a dog needs at least 1 hour of exercise a day. Is that set instone? Or can I say, exercise that dog for 2 hour and let her rest the next. Or instead of jogging take her to a agility course and do that for a hour which would naturally be more of a workout and then let rest for the next day.

I'm asking because my thought was if I get two dogs with around the same activity level I could just switch off every other day with exercise per dog.

 

[cos]

It heavily depends on the kind of dog you get. Pugs can sit around a couple days and go on a walk the next. My aussie can sit around one day and be an upset mess the next, and I pay for it in my sanity!

Personally, my dog is completely restored with energy by the time the next day rolls around, so I could exhaust him all I want today but tomorrow he'll be just as ready to go.

What kind of dog are you planning on getting? Do you want another lab? Labs are pretty versatile but they're also pretty varying. You could get a laid back lab or you could get a very high energy lab.

 

[Alexp08]

Well I don't know what dog I want next. Getting another one is about 6mo out so in trying to get info on dogs. I've been thinking of another lab but each dog has something to offer so I'm debating on a different breed. But first I really need to think about how the dogs exercise needs will fit into my life.

 

[cos]

Well I don't know what dog I want next. Getting another one is about 6mo out so in trying to get info on dogs. I've been thinking of another lab but each dog has something to offer so I'm debating on a different breed. But first I really need to think about how the dogs exercise needs will fit into my life.

Oh, so you're asking what dogs can be exercised one day and then not the next? Sorry I thought you were asking if that was okay but I wasn't aware you didn't know what dog you wanted!

If that's the case I'll get back to you after brain storming

 

[Alexp08]

Well no, I was asking if it was okay to exercise a dog one day then not the next. Because I don't want to get a high energy dog and struggle to give them both adequate exercise.

 

[cos]

Well like I said it depends on the dog. It's okay to do that to some dogs but not all. I personally think, since you're not sure what kind of dog you want and are basing most of your lifestyle needs on energy level, that a shelter dog would be best. Just ask the shelter their energy level, and ask to take the dog on a walk or play in a designated area for a while. You can kind of get a feel for how ready to go go go they are. Keep in mind though, that many shelter dogs are really eager to get the hell out of the kennels, so I'd run off some initial energy before making a final decision. A jumpy neurotic dog may just be anxious and stressed out, and actually calm and undemanding of a ton of exercise in a home life situation.

 

[cos]

Oh! Wanted to add that you could also pick a breed you like and adopt through a breed specific rescue. Many rescue dogs that are from breed specific rescues spend time in foster, and there is generally more known about them (usually). That way you can ask more questions. Many really good breed rescues only accept through application and will match you with a dog that fits best. Try a foster-to-adopt program to see if the dog fits into your lifestyle before committing.

 

[Naira]

A lab needs exercise every day. Most dogs need exercise every day.

I can get away with not exercising my dog some days but she's much happier if we do.

I wouldn't get a new dog unless it's feasible for you to exercise that dog daily. Find a way you can exercise them together. For me personally, it would be much easier to exercise my dog if I had two.

 

[Shandula]

I exercise my dogs every day. It is a commitment I took on when I picked two, high energy breeds. If for some reason I couldn't exercise them (which would be very strange, has yet to happen, even in God-awful weather) my husband would do it.

If we have a day where we do a lot, they might be tired, but by the next day they are ready to go. We might do a little less, but definitely still an hour plus.

 

[Garmie]

I don't have time to take Garm for walks on exam weeks, but we have a yard and he finds a way to entertain himself, chews on his toys, chases birds or digs a hole here and there.

Dogs can't entertain themselves with TV and computers like we do, so they need to get mental stimulation elsewhere, they're not gonna die if you don't take them for a walk everyday, but try to keep a healthy balance.

 

[Alexp08]

What are some good ways to exercise them together?

 

[Alexp08]

Let me rephrase my question. I read that your can't properly exercise two dogs at the same time. For example they would each need a hour of walking separately. And that letting them play together in the yard would not suffice as proper exercise.

 

[mathilda]

Let me rephrase my question. I read that your can't properly exercise two dogs at the same time. For example they would each need a hour of walking separately. And that letting them play together in the yard would not suffice as proper exercise.

Yes and no.
at least in the first months and perhaps years, until they are both able to walk on leash safely, I'd train leash walking separately and walk them separately, for safety reasons. afterwards and training leashwalking them together, it'S fine to walk them together, if you're sure that you're able to pay attention enough to both of them to keep everyone safe and happy.

but just running in the yeard will not suffice as a replacement for one-on-one training and playing with the owner.
You've to spend enough quality time with both of them, to bond with them properly and keep the relationship healthy.

 

[Alexp08]

I see, thanks for the response

 

[Shandula]

My guys get a combination of both. I do walking separately (unless my hubby is with me, then he walks one). And they have individual training classes, and then sessions with me. But in between, they LOVE to wrestle and chase each other.

 

[CobbersMom]

On the weekends, I walk each dog separately at least once a day - I wish I could do more or walk longer distances each time we go out, but my bum foot will not cooperate. During the week, the dogs go to daycare to get their energy out. They do play with each other some, although not as much as I was hoping because the puppy is still mostly just annoying to the older dog. Maybe when the pup is older they will get along a little better (fingers crossed because I know it doesn't always work out that way).

 

[Laurelin]

Most dogs can skip a day ok. I generally have a down day a week. Hank is really high energy but I find with him he's just high energy no matter how much exercise he's gotten. It's less how often he gets exercised and more how hard he goes while exercising.

On 'off' day we'll cuddle extra and I always have a couple short play sessions.

It's not realistic to completely wear him out daily so I don't try to. We do a lot fri- mon and break Tuesday. Weds and Thursday are usually fairly light.
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[Liminal]

If the dog is accustomed to skipping a day here and there, and is expected to get by on less exercise than usual every so often, the vast majority of the time that will be doable. Where I think people run into problems is with conditioning their dogs to expect x amount every single day, rain or shine. I mean it's great to be that committed, but if you do that and then fall short of their expectations you're going to have more of a fit on your hands than you would have if they were simply more acclimated to alternating.

My dog is a pretty high energy dog and he only gets worked hard every 2-3 days. Some days I'm busy and we do some short training, scentwork or catch sessions and he entertains himself for the rest of the night. If he were used to a ton of exercise every day, though, and I tried to skip, I have no doubt he'd be a nightmare. Truly wearing him out is not easy so I don't even bother looking to have that happen.