How much exercise?

[Knucklesmom]

When we got Knuckles, one of the conditions (for my son) was that Knuckles would need to be walked twice a day. (He is 10 months old now.) He usually gets a 20 minute short walk in the morning, and I walk him for an hour in the evening (at a pretty good pace!) Of course, he gets to go outside and play in the yard in between, or visit a dog-buddy for play. We live in the 'burbs, and have to abide by leash laws, and there is no dog park near here. How much exercise do your dogs get? What is best for Rottweilers? How much is too much? Do you take any special care of their paws? Thanks in advance for the responses!

[Solomon]

Mile run in the morning
Midafternoon walk of at least a mile
Evening walk of at lease a mile
Miscellaneous frolicking in the yard

[Miabella]

I think it depends on the individual dog, some are going to need alot more exercise than others. The optimal amount is one that keeps your dog fit and stimulated. For my newly adopted Rottie girl, I walk her about 25-30 minutes in the morning, and then about 1 hour at night (over 3 miles per day). She also gets playtime with toys inside and outside as well as training in addition to the walking everyday.

[TrishB]

Parker is almost 5 1/2 months old now.

1) He gets a quick walk in the morning
2) One full hour out with the dog walker (playing with the rest of the group)
3) A 1/2 - 1 hour walk in the evening
4) Multiple little walks until bed time

I don't have a yard, so every time he needs out, he goes for a walk.

You are looking for a nice uptuck behind the ribs and a 'waist' when you're looking down from above, over your dog. You should be able to feel the ribs easily, and only see a slight outline of them. Muscle tone should be good.

If you have dig around through the fat to find your dogs ribs, you've got some working out to do. ;) If you can see their back bone, hips or ribs - you need to add some weight to them.

Young dogs should be kept lean (not skinny) to facilitate healthy growth. :)

If you are not sure about your dogs weight - go to your vet, get him on the scale and have your vet assess their weight. :) Your vet is your partner in your dogs health - be sure to utilize them! :D

[ptremaine]

There is such a thing as too much exercise - for the human. ha!

This past spring, summer and early fall, I over did the exercise - the dog was in great shape, my own orthopaedic health went down hill.....however, I've been doing physical therapy to heal my heel [plantar fasciitis], and now wear orthotics....so I can definitively say that 6+ miles a day for a middle aged sorta pudgy person is NOT a good idea. I didn't walk either; often I was running or jogging and playing with my dog. I also took her to a dog-park or dog swimming spot at least twice a week, sometimes more. I did that by having to drive a lot to distant places, but we did have tons of fun.

Anyway, we usually went 6 miles a day, with two 1+ hour sessions each a day at the park including lots of running; it was a lot of exercise, though I doubt I could wear out my dog. She's a maniac, plain and simple. :D

She's allowed to run free over 65+ acres of woods and open field, in a nearby park. We also have a yard, and she's out there a lot during the day, running and chasing real and imaginary squirrels. She is worn out after each session, but her battery recharges quickly. :D

I do think a dog who is allowed to run freely is probably going to be in better shape overall than one who must walk at the end of a leash. I know lots of people don't have the opportunities to let their dogs run, so walking is an option. Keeping the weight down is also a must; a fat dog is an unhappy dog.

This winter, we've had to cut back to 3 miles a day and one 1-1/2 hour park session, if I can do it. I've even done that in the pouring rain. If not, then it's the backyard, playing and chasing toys or a ball or playing tuggy [a great way to get a dog tired out]. We always play inside too, every day. The dog is still in good shape and that's what counts.

PT