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Krazlow · May 18, 2009, 11:19 AM

I have a 5 month old mixed breed. He is English Bulldog, Pug, Beagle, and Sharpei. I love to walk so I took him with me for a 2 mile walk. I like to walk more than that, usually 4 miles at a time 3-4 times a week. I just don't know if that is good for him. I do work all day and he is at home 8-9 hours a day with the cat. But the cat is 5 yrs old and sleeps like cats do-most of the time. So my question is--is that too far to walk him? I do 4 miles in an hour and 10 minutes, is that too fast?

Thanks

450donn · May 18, 2009, 02:38 PM

Exercise is NEVER a bad thing for humans or dogs. I guess you have to be observant and watch that he does not get overheated. If he slows down or is reluctant to go any farther then that would be signs of problems. But as long as he is healthy and lives to go with you what is the problem. Just remember he needs water as much as you do

Just Dahlia · May 18, 2009, 04:03 PM

I had a dog that got tired just around the block. When we were heading on home he would just find a nice shady spot in someone's lawn and lay down:o We learned right away not to go too far.:)

I almost had to carry his butt home a couple times!:eek: 45 pounds!

siiighs · May 18, 2009, 04:16 PM

He will let you know what is too far for him. Start increasing your distance in short increments (just like you were a person getting in shape). I had a lab that even as an adult would jump up and want to be carried when the walk got too long. Like I said, he'll let you know :)

shazamataz · May 19, 2009, 01:05 AM

5 months is a little young to be walking 4 miles...
When puppies are still growing it is best to put as little strain on their joints and bones as possible. They usually get enough exercise out of general playing and running around the house.

When he is a little older then walking that distance would be good for his health.

Always take a water bowl and a bottle of water with you on your walks and if your dog is having trouble breathing stop in the shade for a few minutes to cool down.

Never walk your dog in the middle of the day. Imagine if you had to walk bare foot on hot pavement. You can actually burn their feet as well as give them heat stress.

Morning or late afternoon are the best times.

Would love to see some pictures of your puppy, that sounds like quite an ineresting mix of breeds! :)

Catsmine · May 19, 2009, 02:46 AM

Good advice from everybody, especially about the water. If he needs to rest, though, let him. Puppies would rather be with their people than anywhere else, so if he starts dragging, there's a good reason.

Krazlow · May 19, 2009, 05:52 AM

Thanks for the advice. I tried to walk him last night and he really didn't want to, so we went home. His energy level in the evening is so high, I thought walking him and me was the answer, but maybe tonight. There is a picture attached, it was the day I got him, so it really doesn't do him justice.

shazamataz · May 19, 2009, 05:56 AM

Just remember, don't overdo it ;)
He will get used to walking eventually and when he is older he will be able to walk further.

The attachment didn't work :(