How much exercise for a shih tzu

[cheeseisthebest]

So some days my puppy doesn't get a proper walk but we have a big garden and field and he runs around there loads, he doesn't get fetch, never has, but if we throw a toy he will chase it. He entertains himself beautifully with his toys running in and out the house. He's a happy, content chilled little boy. If I don't get time walk him some days (especially in this heat) is that ok? He's slim and healthy.

Mostly I do walk him but haven't so often lately cos of the heat. He walks off leas usually same as running round garden and field. I'm just feeling guilty!!

It sounds fine. The thing they miss by not walking is socialisation and using their brain for sniffing new smells.

Oh and several days a week he sees his best doggie friend who's his half brother and they play together for a couple of hours.

Bump!

In this heat it's fine to miss the odd walk, but in all honesty, it's not something I would make a habit of. Walks are about more than exercise - they're about new smells and mental stimulation and meeting/seeing other dogs and people.

Even a short 20-30 minute walk is fine - shih-tzus don't need hours, but they do need more than just garden play.

Thank you, it is mostly heat related so will do an evening walk when it's cooler. I live in the middle of nowhere so he never sees other dogs on walks anyway, I have to drive to specific places to do that. He does see lots of dogs.

I guess reassurance that 20 to 30 minutes is OK has reassured me as he definitely doesn't always get long walks! But thats one reason why I got a small dog.

He definitely doesn't need loads but I think it's a very restricted world for him if he's just in your house and garden, iyswim.

I wouild say he needs at least an hour a day but split over two walks.

It is hot but getting up early or walking late in the evening is still needed most days.

Kennel club and breeders club recommend at least an hour.

Thank you. I will take him out in evenings when its cooled down. He sleeps in in the mornings but is lively about 8pm ish so that could work.

I have Shi Tzu and I've read recommendations as short as twenty minute walks. Mine has a short walk am for the school run, then roams in the garden. Then a short walk pm at school pick up. 3-4 days a week goes to dog park for a big game of ball fetch and socialisation. On very hot days or very rainy days I don't walk her, it's fine to skip some days.

As pp said for smaller dogs it's as much about interest and sniffing as exercise. Shi Tzu's are bred as lapdogs so are generally quite happy lazing around. Sounds like you're doing fine.

I have chihuahuas and they have been fine without a walk and just garden play in this heat. My puppy i was actually OVER walking at an hour a day - even though he was happily doing it - he started to struggle and vet reassured me 30 mins walking was all he needs. Its the interaction and stimulation as other people have said - so now i do 30 mins walking but make sure I spend tome thrpugh the day playing and interacting with them. Seems to work. In this heat, i have missed a couple of days walks. One of the chis loves the heat - the other struggles. I think its down to the dog!

Thank you. I did take him to school pick up yesterday as was cool so that was nice. He's had couple evening walks but he's happy.