MCM-AKA-GK

Hi,

My 6 month old Shih Tzu goes for walks with me during the day (even though he hates them). He is very much a lap dog/companion, but I am wondering how much exercise he should have a day???

Any help would be great,

MCM

Seraphyn

A Shih Tzu is a little smaller then my dog Poochie a Bichon Frise. When she is well she gets upto 3 short walks a day most days its just two. Usually a 20 minute walk in the morning and in the evening. I know he probably does not like them now because he is probably not used to them. As time goes on he will grow to love the walks. IMHO companion dogs are not hardy rough and ready dogs. But they do need exercise and they do grow to enjoy it.

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tulipann

I would agree with Seraphyn. I have a Lhasa X Yorkie at the same age and he's not overly keen on walking either. However with persistance he will now come when called to go out.....before he used to hide!!! He gets a few more walks per day, 4 in total all lasting about 10 minutes. Especially as he hates the rain so I try and take him out specifically when its raining (easy here in Scotland) so that he gets more comfortable in it.

Just persist with walking and he will soon love it.


Tracy n Jack Jack xx

Seraphyn

Poochie hates the rain too. She won't walk if it starts to rain. I suppose its because they are so small. She won't even go into the back to pee in the rain she would rather cross her legs all day. Once she was bursting to go she sat on the back step to get the courage up to run out into the garden go as quick as she can and run in.

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tulipann

hahaha Jack Jack does that too....makes me laugh seeing him trying to pee quick lol

was just reading your other thread about poochie getting spayed, hope she's feeling better

Tracy n Jack Jack xx

Sudsy

Well, I have a three-year old Maltese-Poodle cross, and she's good with a one-hour hike pretty well every day. She has two friends, a pure-bred Shih-Tzu and a Shih-Tzu-Poodle cross, and they are also fairly high energy dogs.

I tend to use the "Yap factor" myself in determining my dog's exercise needs: I've noticed a direct correlation between the times she gets really barky and the days we don't get out for one of our big hikes.

I never thought I was getting a hiking companion when I got my dog, but I've come to the conclusion that dogs are dogs, and they sure have energy!

April

Puppies up to the age of 1 yr do not need much exercise. It can be stressful on their growing bones & joints. Tilba is 8 mths old & I only take her around the block. She gets a lot of play running around with our other dog & chasing the cat. To keep her busy I exercise her brain in the house by teaching obedience commands & tricks.

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