Can you give an adult dog too much exercise?

[icemaiden]

I have had dogs all my life and have excercised them all the same way. I ask this question because I had a dog behaviourist round last night as my terrier has a few issues. ( unsociable with other dogs and snaps at people who stupidly go to pat him on the head, even though we tell them not too!)

She said that they are excercised too much. We have two terriers. They get an hour a day when my partner works his shift. Then 3 or 4 days a week they can have anything up to 3 hours. This is a mixture of on lead and off. I have never heard of this and I am curious to know other peoples views. She also says that they should be sleeping up to 17 hours a day! As lack of sleep can make them more anxious. Again I have never heard of this and ask for anyones view.

This would be the second behaviourist we have had come and see him, as we wanted to get a few peoples views on what could be triggering this behaviour. He was fine until he was 8 months old and just out of the blue snapped at someone he knew. He is neutered and has been raised the same as his sister and she is the complete opposite.

You try and do the best but there is so many conflicting opinions out there that the whole thing gets confusing. I guess it's finding the method that works best.

Many thanks

[lankeela]

Only time too much exercise would be a problem would be if there was a physical injury or condition that might make the dog uncomfortable or in pain, for instance the day after if they were stiff. Mine are far better after a long run, they all settle down and sleep for a few hours and most of the the following day, till its time to go again.
It might also be a problem if a dog used to lots of exercise was then confined, but as you seem to be exercising regularly then thats not the problem. I suspect it could just be in his breeding, maybe the mother or father had a bit of a naughty streak, I know one of mine is like that and I have to keep her away when people want to fuss my dogs if I am out with them.

[woofgang]

I haven't ever heard this particular theory either, but maybe have something to contribute. My boys who are big energetic dogs get around 40 minutes free running every day plus free access to the garden when the weather is fine and warm enough and we are a home. They sleep a lot...basically if they are "I'm bored and fed up" kind of way but in a pleasurable "time for my before nap nap" way. If the routine is changed or they are stressed or excited about something then they don't sleep.

Maybe what she meant is that he needs to feel the security of a routine? Do his walks happen at regular times? Does he know there are times in the day when nothing happens and he can relax his guard?

[woofgang]

missed a bit there it should read
They sleep a lot...not in a "I'm bored and fed up" kind of way but in a pleasurable "time for my before nap nap" way. basically if they are the routine is changed or they are stressed or excited about something then they don't sleep but if they have had their run and been fed and nothing is happening then sleep is the activity of choice."

yes some dogs do have a bit of a naughty streak, and I understand that terriers can be snappy, especially at things heading for their head.

[woofgang]

PS when we were looking for training for our boys, we spoke to a few "behaviourists" most of them talked complete cobblers. The only sensible one I have since spoken to is an ex professional dog trainer who now designs bespoke kitchens.

[icemaiden]

Hi guys,
Thanks for taking the time to answer.
Lankeela-I agree that some of it could be his breeding. We saw the Mum and the Dad who at the time were very friendly and lovely dogs. But you never know.
Woofgang-Hi, Yes we are a very routine family. (very boring I know!). They both know what and when is going to happen. Your right they can be snappy, I guess he really is hand shy as this is always the trigger. Interesting that you used a dog trainer, maybe this is the next option.

Thank you

[wolf63]

Years ago I remember reading in a dog book about a dog who was snappy and grumpy. The cause was found to be in its diet - the wrong food once a day.

I am sure it was due to blood sugar dips and all they did was feed a more nutritious diet twice a day, total amount of food still the same. Terriers are energetic dogs to start with - maybe he is just burning off more energy.

I hope that makes sense - I am tired and my brain is starting to seize up.

[woofgang]

Wolf that's in John Fisher...might be in why does my dog do that? but I have another one of his which i think is Dogwise.

[mollykins]

Saint bernards aparantly have heart attacks easily if they run too much.

[icemaiden]

Hi, thanks for your answers. I have always been aware of the rubbish you can buy with regards to dog food. I only feed our dogs on natural dog food. Naturediet and laughing dog mixer. All treats are natural too. Jerkys, tripe sticks and dried fish.
They are fed once a day but I leave some of their main food out of their bowls so that I can stuff their kong toys with it during the day. Keeps them amused for a while.

[woofgang]

I actually didn't take them to a trainer in the end...couldn't find one I thought knew anything I didn't (and that ain't a lot) apart from the kitchen designer who no longer practices.