[nagdu] How often does a dog have to work?

[debby phillips]

Hey Lisa, great question.  Every dog is different of course, so 
it may depend on your individual dog, and certainly if you have 
an injury and you are in pain walking or need time for an ankle, 
knee or leg to heal, you should do that.  I try to do something 
every day, even if it's not walking a huge distance.  But I do 
give my dog one total day off a week if I can.  I need a day off 
from routine, so I figure my dog might, too.  In the winter my 
dogs have probably gotten less work, especially since I live on 
the east side of Washington state where there's snow and ice.  I 
didn't grow up with snow and ice, mostly rain and cold, and I 
must say that the older I get the more anxious ice, especially 
makes me.  And yes, I know, I can get things to put on my shoes 
but that doesn't make me any less anxious.

I get depressed if I'm indoors too much, so even when I don't 
feel like getting out there in the cold bluster of winter I make 
myself do it because it does make me feel better.  Something 
about endorphins I think.  (Grin).  Sorry for the ramble in 
trying to answer your question.    Peace,    Debby and Neena