Does exercise beget the need for exercise?

[Momily]

Sorry to harrass you all with Lyle questions! I'm sure you're sick of them.

When Lyle first came home he was very low energy. I'd take him for a 1/2 hour walk and he'd be exhausted. I took him to the dog park twice, once we drove there, stayed for 15 minutes and drove home, he played some, but couldn't keep up at all, when we got home he was wiped out. The other time we drove there and stayed 20 minutes, it was empty that time and he just walked around.

I had mixed feelings about this -- on one hand it was kind of nice that he wasn't demanding a lot of exercise. On the other hand, I was a little worried -- the vet thinks he's a sheltie mixed with some kid of sled dog. He should have more stamina.

Well, we've been pretty active with him since he came home. We've gone hiking, and exploring big parks. We've been walking him a minimum of 90 minutes a day, and he's had lots of games of fetch and tug of war. He's also started sleeping better, and being willing to wander around in the backyard, and he's on a much better food. I figure all these things are good for him.

Today we walked to the dog park (a little over a mile). We stayed there for an hour. He did some watching, but definitely more playing -- he was still the slowest dog there, but kept up more than last time (he also didn't hump everyone he met, which was a nice change). Then we walked home. He took maybe a 1/2 hour nap during dinner, and now he's pestering us with the ball to play fetch.

I'm thrilled with his new level of energy, but I'm not sure how much more "improvement" I want IYKWIM? I had thought that he'd enjoy a day or two of doggie daycare a week to "tire him out" since he's home alone all day when I'm at work except for a 30 minute midday walk. But now I worry that he'd acclimate to that level of exercise and want to go go go all the time?

What do you guys think?

[Ola_]

Part of it may be that he is coming out of his shell now that he's feeling more comfortable and stable at your house. The other part is that he may need more mental exercise (like training, tricks, etc.).

I'm so glad that Lyle is settling in with you guys!

[mamallama]

Ask away! I have loved following along on the Lyle story. Thanks for sharing what you're thinking!

I don't think exercise begets the need for exercise, at least not in a straightforward way.

Better health and reduced stress improves energy level, though, that's for sure.

I have adopted 4 dogs in my adult life, 3 have been adults. I have lived with and fostered many, many more. In my experience, it takes several weeks for a dog's true personality and true needs to come out--longer if they have come from a very stressful situation or if they are in poor health.

[Momily]

To be clear, I think it's a great thing that's he's got more energy, and it's a sign that he's more comfortable and healthier. The bugging me to play ball wasn't bothering me at all, it was just a noticeable change. I just wonder what's the right response -- do I keep upping the amount of exercise he's getting, or will that just make him need more? Or should I select a level I can sustain (probably about 90 minutes of walking, and 30 minutes of active play plus a couple of 1/2 hour periods alone in the yard) and assume he'll acclimate to that?

We are doing a fair amount of training (and he learns so fast, he's really really smart!!!) and are starting obedience classes on Tuesday.

[mamallama]

What you have described sounds like a level most dogs his age & breed could live with, but I think you'll have to wait and see. If you've given him plenty, but he still vibrates with desire to play ball, maybe try giving another type of attention and see how that goes. If he's happy with being brushed, then you're done. If not, maybe he needs a little more.

My dogs' energy level changes with the season. Right now when it's warmish but not hot, they need a lot of exercise. In high summer and the dead of winter they need much less.

[Momily]

Thanks mamallama.

He's what someone described as a dog with an "off switch". If I let him know there will be no ball playing he's OK not playing. But it's still a change, in that 2 weeks ago, after just the walk we took (leaving out the hour in the dog park) he would have been exhausted and looked at us like were crazy if we even picked up the ball.

So, if I have time on the weekend to give him LOTS of exercise and socialization, like bringing him to my son's all day soccer tournament today, or I send him to doggie daycare, I'm not creating a dog who expects the same thing every day and will be miserable when I leave him for work?

[mamallama]

I think you're totally fine to take him out all day on the weekend without setting up that expectation for the work week.

[SquishyKitty]

Our new dog had to be physically carried to the yard to do his buisiness when we first got him. It's been about 1 week and now he's getting more active, running around the yard, active on the walks instead of just following along. I think it's partly his personality and partly the better food/more exercise. I'd walk him for longer stretches at a time if he seems up to it.

[beanma]

Originally Posted by Momily

Thanks mamallama.

He's what someone described as a dog with an "off switch".

Boy, I wish our puppy had one of those!

I agree with the idea to go for the amount of exercise that you're willing to do yourself and he'll acclimate to that. I don't think taking him extra places on the weekends or doing the occasional doggie daycare will up his need for stimulation greatly. I'm hoping our puppy will mellow out one of these days and I know our older dog is hoping the same thing!