Photo Journalism Project By Matthew J. Boerleider

  What is there not to understand about taking your canine out for walk? Owners take dogs out for a walk usually for exercise and to give the dog, who usually sits around in the house, some fresh air.  The requirements for how long a dog should be out for a walk ( or any other activity for that matter) largely varies because there are many different breeds of dogs and each one needs a specific amount of time in an activity such as walking. Depending on the breed and the heritage from which its from, if you give the dog to much walking, you could damage the dogs skeletal system. There are many dogs that are stoic, which means that the dog won’t show any sign of discomfort or pain until there’s actual damage done. Dehydration and foot injuries are also common by over walking your dog ( depending on the breed). If you Under-exercise your dog, the joints and muscles will begin to ache due to resting for long periods of time and not getting enough exercise to relieve those muscles and joints. What’s not to understand about this? Quite the Contrary…..

  Weiner Dogs (Dachshunds) is a type of stoic dog because they were bred to kill Badgers by Kaiser’s Germany. Needs minutes walking every day.  Catahoula Leopard Dog ( the official dog of Louisiana) is a type of stoic dog that has the natural ability to climb trees. Teddy Roosevelt used to hunt with them. Again, needs minutes walking every day  Shar-Pei loose skin is a Chinese type of stoic dog whose bred to hunt wild boars. Needs a 20 minute walk.  Dalmatians is another type of stoic dog who do not fear fire and accompany fire trucks during emergency’s. Let’s just say that you will tire out long before the Dalmatian does..  Basset Hounds is a type of stoic dog whose bred to find rabbits, but could also be trained to find many other things due to its big ears and nose. Need 30 minute walk.  The Rhodesian Ridgeback (African Lion Hound) came about after cross- breeding in Zimbabwe (used to be called Rhodesia). They hunt Lions. Need 20 minute walk. Different Types of Stoic Dogs

 Apollo before walking Dogs usually do this when they are in-active. Apollo, as seen in the picture, likes to take long naps During the day, so he’s going to need at least a 30 minute walk to relieve the stress in his joints and muscles.

 Apollo is bored He doesn’t seem too excited at this moment, but that could change with a just a little shingle of metal when I pick the leash. Dog’s have the ability to depict the sounds of different objects as they are exposed to them over and over again.

 Apollo: “Is it that Time!” This photo was taken after I pick up the leash. No call or holler necessary. While taking trying to take the photo, Apollo licks the leash indicating he wants me to put it on him.

 “I’m waiting…” He seems to be quite anxious. Dogs usually wait at that front of the door until the owner is ready to go out.

 “Keep up please” It is 7:13 p.m. and the walk has begun. A good reason for why Dogs always try to walk ahead of the owner is if the dog is not properly trained to stay at the same pace as the owner. Dogs are going to want to sniff around and enjoy the outdoors, but, at the same time must learn to yield when the owner orders to slow down.

 “I’m not tired yet; Its okay” 20 minutes into the walk at 7:22 p.m., Apollo is still ahead of me but by how heavy he’s panting, I know he is getting tired. After walking your dog for a while, you can tell even when your dog is getting tired even if it is a stoic dog. Yank the leash to have the dog slow down.

 “Okay, I’m satisfied” It is 7:33 p.m. The walk has concluded and Apollo seems ready to go back inside. The wider The dog open its mouth while panting is a sign of how tired the dog is. If you look carefully, You can see a part of Apollo’s tongue sticking out of his mouth. He’s tired.

 “Go get me more water” Please be sure to give the dog enough water after the walk to avoid dehydration.

 Conclusion Dogs love going on walks even if they know they will end up like this in the end. It is important to know what breed your dog is to know just how much walking they really need.