Bil-jac myth busting?

[Sophist]

Interesting.

Personally, I felt that this:

Walks, hikes and play dates will keep your dog fit and happy, even when living in tiny spaces

Was too simplistic and generalized not to be considered misleading. Maybe it is just because I don't think a lot of pet owners who would try to keep very driven, high-energy breeds in high-rises would be willing/able to walk or hike these dogs enough to keep them fit and happy.


I agree that the right owner generally CAN keep most dogs happy, but I just don't see some breeds really being happy and fit with mainly on-leash exercise. Maybe I've just been raised to over-emphasize my dog's physical activity needs, though.

[wolfsoul]

Personally I think too many people rely on their yard as an exercise tool. I think a yard is a good place for a dog to potty, play fetch, and perhaps a place for the dog to spend some time on a nice day when you are cleaning the house or something, but it isn't a yard that defines a person's ability to properly exercise their dog. There are plenty of good ways to keep a dog fit while making it more interesting (not the same old yard day in and day out). I think if I relied on my yard as my dogs' main way to burn off some energy, they would become bored. An onleash hike, in my opinion, is more stimulating to a dog than a game of fetch in it's own backyard.

I would rather adopt out to a sporting home without a backyard than to a pet home with a big backyard.