How bad is it to not (regularly) walk dog?

[hogdog]

Dog is aged 3, medium sized and belongs to friend of close relative. They started off well walking dog but now hardly ever take the dog out. It is medium sized and good but excitable temperament. I'm not sure how fussed the dog is about going out, he can get into the garden whenever he wants for as long as he wants and it is a medium to large sized garden.

A few people live in the house so he is never left alone, but none of them hardly ever bother to take him out for a walk.

I have never had a dog so I don't know if this is a normal life for some dogs or if this similar to like child neglect that would have to be reported?

I can't prove the dog isn't taken out, he has a collar and loads of leads but they are not used.

There are 2 points here. 1) a fit young dog needs exercise, simulation and some socialising even if he doesn't see another dog every time. 2) why have they got a dog if they haven't taken its care serious account? I'd say something about this. Why do their feelings matter but not the dog's? Not saying it's your fault but maybe word it constructively such as suggesting a rota or a walk when you visit. If they've got out of the habit it might be a useful reminder rather than shaming them.

If they feel bad, that's on them for not walking the dog, not on you for raising it. If it makes them feel bad, that should cause them to walk it and feel better. Don't pussyfoot around them as if any of this is your fault. They're the ones who apparently need it pointing out to them to have a basic level of good ownership.

It’s cruel. I witnessed how a nice dog who was denied regular walking for a few weeks turned into an aggressive one. Now back to daily walking and perfectly fine again.

Dogs need walks not only to exercise their limbs; their brain gets stimulated on walks, it literally makes them excited and happy. The garden doesn’t do that.

Animal cruelty, especially towards such a young dog.

Dogs need a walk. Ours is out at least twice a day and also has free rein in the garden too. We do ball/recall training on one of his walks so he gets a good run about.

In fact we all benefit from his walks - fresh air and exercise makes us all happier.

Do you know for certain they don't walk him/ her?
I only ask because our hound is walked early morning, and then later evening. We very seldom see anyone on our walk, I can easily imagine the neighbours thinking we never walk the dog!
Dogs like humans need exercise and mental stimulation, so if they really aren't walking him/ her, that's a pretty miserable existence for the poor pooch.

Aw even my 20 yr old JRT still loves walks. Some days she manages 40 mins before she tired and other days she's knackered after 20. How cruel of them not to take such a young dog out.
RSPCA won't care so pointless contacting them.

It's OK to make someone feel bad if they are neglecting an animal. They need to step up and look after their pet.