no walk = cruel?
Pooka is the trimmest corgi I've ever seen, and a lot of people have told me the same thing. She is obsessed with playing fetch and running around, and is only now, beginning to finish her meals (still off and on). We also have a huge backyard, which she goes out in often.
Therefore, I only take her on a walk for fun, not for exercise. Also for training, to behave and TRY to meet people, and not run out in the street. And if she was crated throughout the day, more than normal, I like to take her out to apologize. Really, only ends up 1-2 times a week.
We now have a husky living with us, and her owner takes her out twice a day.
Recently, Pooka has gotten very anxious when they leave, crying and whining and pouting and staring out the window, and just making me very sad. I don't know if this is because she really likes walks, or if she just has separation anxiety, not wanting them to leave.
Another thing is that she's learning how to "talk" more as she gets older, so it might also be that.
Do I need to be taking her on more walks? How should I deal with this? Currently I just try to distract her with a happy voice, and asking her to do tricks, and telling her No when she whines.
Silly puppy...
Therefore, I only take her on a walk for fun, not for exercise. Also for training, to behave and TRY to meet people, and not run out in the street. And if she was crated throughout the day, more than normal, I like to take her out to apologize. Really, only ends up 1-2 times a week.
We now have a husky living with us, and her owner takes her out twice a day.
Recently, Pooka has gotten very anxious when they leave, crying and whining and pouting and staring out the window, and just making me very sad. I don't know if this is because she really likes walks, or if she just has separation anxiety, not wanting them to leave.
Another thing is that she's learning how to "talk" more as she gets older, so it might also be that.
Do I need to be taking her on more walks? How should I deal with this? Currently I just try to distract her with a happy voice, and asking her to do tricks, and telling her No when she whines.
Silly puppy...
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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If she's getting plenty of exercise in the yard and chances to socialize and learn then I don't think it's a big deal. My dogs have acres to run on and so we may walk to get the mail or sometimes go to town and socialize but the majority of their exercise is running and playing like Pooka. Does she get to play with the husky in the fence? Maybe a couple extra shorter walks would help or maybe with the husky. I don't know but I don't feel guilty as I know mine get plenty of exercise...
I have talkers too and Wynn especially like to tell me things...I love it! Most of mine have now started copying Wynn in the morning as he greats me with a yawn and a sound!
Can't help with the "she just likes walks" or separation anxiety...I don't know!
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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I think "cruel" is the wrong word. However, walks don't just provide exercise. They provide mental stimulation and a chance for the dog to get out and see and smell new things.
Jack gets bored if we so much as go on the same walk a few days in a row. He starts lagging and sulking. If we take a different route, he practically skips ahead of me, he's so eager. And if we get ready to go in the car, forget it! He is so excited he starts whining and making monkey sounds.
Maddie really likes her walk as well. If you have acreage where they can get out and go a couple miles on your own property, that's one thing. If it's just a suburban back yard, then honestly I highly recommend walks and car trips to liven things up.
Let me put it this way: is your yard big enough that you can entertain yourself in it every day exclusively without getting bored, if you never left it for work or to go out with friends? If the answer is "yes" then it's probably sufficient for your dog. If "no", then there is your answer.
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Yes Beth,
That's probably true there is a big difference between the country acres and the suburban back yard.
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I have an aunt who lives in the country on acreage. She has horses. Her property is dog heaven. Dogs can go on a long walk, hunt frogs by the pond, sniff for deer or coyote tracks in the woods, or chase through a cornfield. She has terriers, and while she takes her current dog out to parks and things to socialize, for the day-to-day life there is plenty of activity right at home!
A city backyard tends to lack such doggie delights.
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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on
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In my opinion, there is no substitute for walking, you'll be surprised how daily walks can make a difference in behavior. I used to think playing in the yard is the same thing, but it really isn't, I've seen the transformation in my dogs, the discipline is very much needed. Corgis are herding dogs and their minds needs to be stimulated and challenge.
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Permalink Reply by GoGoRainbow on
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we're actually very happy with our backyard, I was really asking more about the separation/jealousy issue of another dog getting to go on a walk, when you don't.
our lot is 1/3 of an acre with LOTS of trees, birds, squirrels, a fort she can climb on, and lots of fetch. No one really has privacy fences, so she can see down 5 yards either way.
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Looks like a great backyard with lots of room to run and play. I have 6 dogs and I usually only let 1/2 out at a time and they vary as to who goes out.I have 2 in particular that whine,cry,bark or carry on when they're not the ones to go out as they think they should go out all the time. I think they just want to be part of the gang BUT that doesn't mean I give in...so she may just be trying to get you to feel sorry enough to let her go with...As long as she gets out a few times a week and gets to socialize...my thought is she'll just have to "get over it".
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Permalink Reply by Derek on
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When I take the dogs to the dog park they are happy and inquisitive, but it really doesn't replace a good walk on the beach or thru the woods. Miranda has always loved her walks. I have been working double shifts at work and have not had time to walk the dogs much. My boyfreind tends to take them out now since his schedule is more flexiable. In 2 weeks the business closes for the winter and we will be back on our schedule of daily walks. You can see the difference in their moods when they are out on walks. Their curiousities are met, they get into new things, it is like going on little adventures when you were a kid v.s. playing in the back yard.
Try walking your dog once a day for a week and I think you will see a difference.
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