Just a quick question about my OAPs

martlin

martlin

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www.martlinequestrian.co.uk
Now that Penny and Chas have settled a bit and made themselves familiar with their surroundings, I started letting them out into the yard to mooch about...
My question is about exercise - for the best way to lose weight, is it better to let them just freely explore the property with maybe 1 longer walk a day? Or is more structured approach advisable?
 
For weight loss, I would suggest a structured approach, short little walks, building up over time.
It's hard - the weight will be compressing their joints, but because they are fat with bad joints, they will find it hard to exercise!

As mentioned swimming, road work, sand work, hill work (a bit like horses!) will help them.
Fetch and chase and ragging with something (Chas sounds up for it!) will also work in the short term.

I know not everyone will agree with me but a lot of dogs will never lose weight and muscle up if they are left to exercise themselves - given a large space, my young dogs will choose a spot and lie down in it.
Even to get them to hoon, I do have to be out their with them, egging them on.
 
They are actually pretty active today:) I took them walkies in the morning - only 20 mins, they have been out in the yard since 2 pm now and they are constantly wondering around - I just nip out from time to time and throw a ball:D
Will take them for another walk a bit later, we need to check on the cows and calves;)
How many walks a day would you recommend CC? Bearing in mind I have all day:D and they can be out all day in the yard/paddocks?
 
I think three ten-to-twenty minute walks should be OK at the minute, if you have all day, combined with the mooching and ball chucking.
I would have them on lead for the walks so they have to keep a brisk pace with you.
I don't see a problem with them being out all day if they don't chase/roam. Although if they have arthritis you don't want them getting too cold and wet.
 
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