Ive posted on conditioning and exercise before so please check my old posts. I went into GREAT detail on this topic.
In short, there is no such thing as too much walking for human or for dog - but you must be sure that your dog is physically fit enough to meet the demands you are making of him and her and in the summer you must also be aware fo the signs for heat exhaustion. Always bring water with you and let your dog sip (not gulp) the water periodically. If you are hot, assume your dog is hotter (she can only sweat through her paws). Keep her wet = esp. on the stomach and pads of her feet. Start out with short walks and GRADUally build. If she isn't mushing ahead, assume she is tiered, pick her up and take her home. Better to err on the side of caution that risk a visit to the emergency room. Overall, walking is GOOD for her and the more exercise you do, the healther she will be. Before I injured my back and my dog developed Addisson's he and I used to RUN two miles every day - and yes, he is a Yorkie. |