I try to take Lily for daily walks, but sometimes it's impossible due to bad weather or if I'm not feeling well. I've heard some people say they take their dogs whether it's raining or not. I don't usually. If the weather is bad we usually just play more inside. If I'm sick I just watch her in the back yard while she plays. Which is something we do everyday anyway.

I know walks are important, but is it absolutely necessary to go every single day? Am I doing something wrong?

I try to go once or twice a day, but if I can't it won't kill her for a day. She never settled down inside anyway. She is constant motion.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

__________________
Barb, Rick and Tayla (STAR Puppy)



Cheyenne (CGC) and Jesse (CGC) who will be always loved and never forgotten.

i think it depends on you and your dog. i am that crazy lady walking her dog in the middle of a snowstorm lol. there are a few reasons why i stick to routine:

1. chloe knows and expects when she gets to go for a walk and use the bathroom. Since she was 4 months old we have been accident free. i think that the consistancy has contributed to that.

2. chloe refuses to poop in our backyard. she has no problem soiling our neighbours lawns but she absolutely refuses to poop in our backyard. oddly enough she has no problem pooping in my parents backyard... shes a quirky kind of dog.

3. She is devil dog when i keep her inside too long. I have a backyard but the fence is small so I have to be outside with her anyways. I figure I might as well get off my butt and go for a walk

4. i like it. no... i LOVE our walks. I feel like we bond and its good excerise.

__________________

Isabella usually needs her daily walks. However, if I am sick and the kids are in school. She will just calmly lay next to my bed most of the day. In fact, if it is raining I have to almost force her outside to potty. She wouldn't want to go out in bad weather. You would never think she didn't get her exercise. I think Lily will be just fine on the days she doesn't get to go walking due to the rain or you being ill.

In short - yes.

I think if you want to keep your dogs in great shape (not just thin but with good solid muscle), you have to maintain a steady exercise routine. Daily walks in addition to playing outside.

__________________



Always loved, never forgotten, all our previous boys -

Molly and I go every day. We hiked in the rain yesterday and she had a nice swim before heading back. I really want to keep her active and since it rains 6 months out of the year here I just have to put on my waterproof outfit, suck it up, and go. I feel bad keeping her inside. But I don't think it would hurt to miss a day or two out of the week..


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

__________________

When we lived in Washington state like the last poster, it could even rain more that 6 months a year. I had a rain slicker and Golda, Max and Di also had rain coats. We'd walk on the beach almost every day, even if it was snowing. If the weather was really bad, we wouldn't go as far. And the days that we did miss, weren't going to hurt them that much. I think that as long as it isn't too many days that you miss, it's ok. If we couldn't go, we'd throw the ball or frisbee for Max and Di and Golda would chase him. Miss those days so much!

__________________

Jess and I walk every day, rain or shine. I like to keep up a routine. I think it's as important to me as it is to him. I start my day with a good walk. If it' really cold or absolutely pouring, then we shorten it up. And I think if you have a bit of a cold or flu, a good walk will boost your immunity. I am very seldom sick.

__________________
[SIGPIC]

Just came back from our walk, we go morning and evening this time of the year. Summer not on extremely hot & humid days, only very early in the morning and when the sun sets.

__________________

Michele, I'm like you - just can't do it every day. I have a chronic condition that flares from time to time and when it does, Max pulling on me is more than I can take. Max not pulling is a constant work in progress, I figure by the time he's 10 he might walk nicely by my side for the whole walk. So we play outside, run in the field, wrestle in the living room, do what we can.

I WISH I could take him every day, I can see how much he loves it. But sometimes it's just not possible.

__________________