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Post by CurlyCub on May 31, 2013 16:03:39 GMT
Today I took Jess out on a 3 hour walk in my local park. She loved it and ran freely with only her 10m training lead on (only in places where not many people come as they could trip). She came back when we called and spent the whole walk just on the lead but with no one holding the end. We are all so pleased with her progress!
Anyway when I got back I was telling my friend how well she did and she started having a go at me. - Apparently 3 hours is far too much - It's too hot in this mid-day heat - Vets would even tell you this - Even a dog with high stamina and energy can't cope - It's unfair on the dog
I know what Jess can cope with, we're 99% sure she is 1/2 or 3/4 Mudi. If I am correct a Mudi is a herding breed, they have incredible stamina and energy - like Jess. So how am I wrong for walking her this long? She loved it, she happily trotted along in front of me, sticking close and stopping when I asked her too. She had regular breaks and drank plenty of water.
What are your thoughts on this? Am I indeed 'not looking after my dog properly?
Also her dogs only ever get one walk a day, about 45 minutes I believe. They sleep after the walk, then in the evening go into the garden for a bit. They're young dogs they could cope with much more. I know some smaller dogs don't need much exercise but I have been round their a few hours after the walk - they really could do with longer.
I'm just upset that someone can say this about me and Jess... I shouldn't let it affect me but I do because at the end of the day I love Jess and only want her to be happy.
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Post by SarahHound on May 31, 2013 16:21:28 GMT
Don't let it get to you, I get told I'm a bad owner all the time. It's due to ignorance, not enough people don't understand what healthy, fit, stimulated dogs are these days.
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Post by scallywag on May 31, 2013 16:27:37 GMT
CurlyCub, next time she starts on you tell her to go take a long look in the mirror, everyone has different ideas and besides I am sure Jess would let you know if she had had enough she may be jelous that she can't be bothered to give up 3 hours of her time to walk her mutts x
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Post by tonib on May 31, 2013 16:49:45 GMT
I agree with the previous 2 comments. It depends on the dog (age, breed & temperament) & also (largely) its fitness what its requirements are, just like humans! I wouldn't take a dog which was only used to 1/2 hour walks for a 3 hour one but that's not the case with Jess. You took breaks & gave water so took care of her as well.
I know this is easier to say than to do but don't let it get to you.
I remember years ago going out with my parents for the day in the Lake District most weekends. We always took our dog - a young Dalmatian - and we were walking on the fells for at least 3 hours but not necessarily a strenuous walk (after all I was only 9/10) but would always have a break for lunch part way through. That was the norm. Even when we moved away into a city the dog got an hour's walk in the morning & evening every day & at weekends often got a longer walk with us. He lived without injury or illness until he was 12/13 when we think he had a stroke.
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Post by BorderTerrier on May 31, 2013 19:10:51 GMT
As you know by the PM, CurlyCub, I am all for your thoughts - you are correct. You know your dog better than her. See PM for more details. BT XX
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Post by charlottte on May 31, 2013 19:30:26 GMT
Firstly well done on her recall! sounds like shes coming on brilliantly, keep it up I personally don't take jasper out mid day but that's because he can't cope with heat. If I could take him to a wooded area then I probably would! However, Jess had plenty of water and breaks and she doesn't sound like she was overheating! Also, wasn't she from Cyprus? I'm sure it was hotter over there every day! As long as she's not struggling with the heat and you're being responsible (as I know you are!) then I don't see a problem. You will always come up against people that think they know better - some people are genuinely trying to help, some people just like to voice their opinion. Just go on as you are cause Jess has an awesome life
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Post by BorderTerrier on May 31, 2013 19:32:14 GMT
Also CurlyCub, remember to enjoy your Curls Of Spain and ignore the rude comments
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Post by CurlyCub on May 31, 2013 19:48:57 GMT
Firstly well done on her recall! sounds like shes coming on brilliantly, keep it up I personally don't take jasper out mid day but that's because he can't cope with heat. If I could take him to a wooded area then I probably would! However, Jess had plenty of water and breaks and she doesn't sound like she was overheating! Also, wasn't she from Cyprus? I'm sure it was hotter over there every day!
As long as she's not struggling with the heat and you're being responsible (as I know you are!) then I don't see a problem. You will always come up against people that think they know better - some people are genuinely trying to help, some people just like to voice their opinion. Just go on as you are cause Jess has an awesome life Spain and yes I am sure it was much hotter there! My 'friend' pointed out she's know longer there but the fact remains she's lived with much hotter!
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Post by doggiesrule28280 on May 31, 2013 19:53:03 GMT
Surely you would be able to tell when your own dog has had enough, not her! If jess was enjoying the three hours then what's the matter with that!? And don't worry someone on the old YD forum told me I wasn't capable of caring for a dog, bearing in mind I was either 11 or 12 years old. It's so annoying and rude when people say you can't care for your dogs when you obviously can!
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Post by cazypops on May 31, 2013 20:17:50 GMT
Take no notice CC, your friend obviously doesn't know what they're talking about. As you said you you took lots of breaks and had water for her. I'm pritty sure if Jess had, had enough she'd have just laid down and not wanted to carry on. Just because her dogs probably couldn't cope with a 3 hour walk on a warm day doesn't mean other dog can't. You carry on as you are, you're doing a good job.
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Post by orpheous87 on May 31, 2013 20:21:48 GMT
Like everyone else has said, don't let her get to you. You'd soon know if Jess had had enough. Like charlottte said, I personally wouldn't walk right at midday if it's very sunny, but it certainly sounds like Jess was coping alright to me. And I wouldn't say that 3 hours is too long for a walk. I often go out at weekends with my two for around 3 hours and they're perfectly happy. And it does sound like you weren't letting her race around for the whole time. Don't worry about it! You're definitely not a bad owner.
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Post by caz2golden on May 31, 2013 21:12:47 GMT
My girls cant take the heat so I walk early (pre 10:30) and late (after 5pm) on warm/hot days or go somewhere where they can cool off in river, lake or sea. I would take care walking in the middle of the day on real hot days CC (just in case!). Sorry cant remember how old Jess is, I would be careful with length of walk with young dogs as too much exercise can do the joints harm. My two are fully grown and in prime of their lives so on weekends we can be out for 2-3hrs in morning and a shorter 1/2 hr - 1 hr in afternoon. Quality of the exercise is as important as the length. You know your dog and if she is happy with long walks then that's wonderful. Exercise along with food, comfy bed and time with their human friends is what makes most dogs happy. Try and put what this person has said to the back of your mind. It is just one persons opinion and that does not mean they are right. It is obvious you had a fantastic walk with Jess. Enjoy your time and if you are both having a real good time then no one has the right to spoil that.
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Post by gladys on Jun 1, 2013 0:36:00 GMT
I wouldn't worry about it you know Jess better than anyone else, like everyone else has said. I will add like caz said, the only thing to think about it over exercising if she is still young and not letting her over heat when it's really hot. I can't walk Cooper at lunch time once it starts to warm up as he can't cope but he can walk as far as I like when it cooler. You know your dog and you know how much she can do and in what heat.
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Post by Jessie99 on Jun 1, 2013 1:00:56 GMT
Well if my Westie can cope with walks up to 2-2 and a half hours on hot days then I am sure Jess can! But of course it is normal for Spaniels like my Roman to have plenty of exercise.
Charlie and Roman and all our dogs have been brought up with long walks! In the summer they get plenty of walks, prepared with water, long walks and plenty exercise! In the winter, they get shorter walks - about 30-60 minutes a day depending on how cold the winter is that year.
She doesn't know what she is talking about man - if she has a go at you, just say, here man, you don't know my dog and if you ask me, you need to get off your arse and walk your dogs a bit more.
She is obviously jealous of your wonderful dog and attitude towards Jess!
Don't let it get to you - always PM me if you need anybody to talk to! Lots of love, Jess! xxxx
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Post by charlottte on Jun 1, 2013 6:52:01 GMT
CC, even if she's acclimatised to England she'll probably still be used to the heat even if she has been here a few years. AL, I have to say, I love how northern you come across in your posts I sit reading them and think 'eee that's how I speak!' Then I realise you're only down the road from me
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