time to increase walking?

[mscez]

Luke will be two Sept. 1. From the time we got him, at 7 mos., we've been walking him around the neighborhood, sometimes we go to the beach. Well, it's been 1-2.5 miles/twice a day (and that's strictly a guess at how long the distance is. We're usually gone ~30-45 min. each walk.)

Lately, Luke wants to walk further. When we get to the corner, he wants to continue on. (or so it seems...) He sits down and looks up at me like "Come on, Mom. I'm not tired!"

Is it time to increase the walking distance? How much more? -- He's got thighs of steel!! (Wish I did!)

Thanks for your input. :)

[RottnKid1]

As long as he's healthy, by all means increase his walks. Just make sure you work him up to it.:)

[mscez]

He is healthy -- (knock wood) -- and certainly willing to go further. But how much further? I will work up to it, increasing gradually. But what's the next "level"? I've read here that pups need about 30 minute walks twice a day. Do we then go to an hour when they're no longer pups? or is it 1.5 hours?

Is there a maximum you'd recommend?

And, by the way, I don't mean to sound so picky and exacting--I don't even wear my watch when we go out (I guess I'll start) but I think Luke is ready for the next level, whatever that might be.

PS: Sometimes I get all pooped out before he does and I'm the one who wants to head home!

[RottnKid1]

What pace are you setting? A healthy dog in top condition can trot quite a distance. I forget what the distance is for the endurance test, but I'm sure someone can answer that. Many owners take their dogs jogging with them regularly. I would just caution you to not exercise your dog in the heat of the day and to keep to softer surfaces as much as possible.