Expert: Delores Beck - 3/14/2009

Question
Hi there,
I have 2 9 month old blue roan cocker spaniels one male and one female. They are both full of energy and as we are walkers we take them out at every opportunity. We have been doing approx 8 miles on some of the walks and they have had no difficulty keeping up with us. They sleep on the way back and then start chasing each other around the room as though they have not had any exercise. We are worried that maybe we are walking them too far. I would be grateful if you advise whether we are doing the right thing.

Answer
You're doing exactly the right thing.  Most owners just don't realize that exercise (and a lot of it) is essential for a dog's physical and mental health.

Do that and feed them a good food (not supermarket stuff) and they'll live a long and very happy life.  The two essentials are exercise and a good diet that is varied.

Your dogs are very lucky :)  
Delores