So for those of you who don't know, I have an adult large breed dog who, if he had his choice would either be being fed, exercised or in my lap 18 hours each day. Obviously that's not going to happen.
He used to go to doggy daycare 2-3 times a week before I stopped wanting to give money to someone who was wanting to become a backyard breeder.
Now I occasionally bring him over to my friend's house who has a 2 pound toy dog and a big yard. He gets lots of love in a short period of time by the friend because I see my dog all the time-- my love is more spread out
So, I've been trying to track his special time and so far:
1. he and I go to the dog park 2-4 times a week. Each time, we spend an hour to two hours of him running and chasing, hanging out, or playing in water.
2. he sleeps in my bed for part or all of the night (hey, I should get credit for that since he wakes me up with the random ear scratch or privates-nibbling sesssion [his, not mine. ew. getchur mind outta the gutter])
3. about once to twice a week he and I will play ball out back for 15 minutes.
4. He goes for car rides with me occasionally to the grocery store or just out-- not as much during the summer time because it's so hot I don't want him out much.
Now, my dog seems a little restless and anxious on the days we skip the park and just overall seems restless during the summer time because I can't take him out in the heat as much. But he's still getting at least 5-7 hours of running around exercise and playtime, plus all the time on the couch, in my car, in my bed, or just near me. He probably needs at least another 2 hours of intense interaction to make him happier during the summer.
Any opinions from rottie owners/former owners out there?
and how about from just the thoughts and opinions of other dog owners out there.




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