Lurcher

[James69]

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My daughter moved in a couple of months back with her lurcher rescue dog. She has got it away from some horrible conditions and a much better life however I don’t think she is a responsible owner. My question is really how much exercise should a lurcher get. It hardly gets a walk, a half hour here and there every 2nd or 3rd day sometimes longer. What exercise should it be getting?

 

[JoanneF]

What size / cross is it (he, she?) And age, fitness level?

Walks are actually about much more than exercise though. The mental stimulation from seeing and sniffing are really important too.

Also, how do you plan to share replies with your daughter? If you just say ”these random strangers say xxx” she might not take it well. We can help, but it would help us if we understood the context better.

 

[James69]

Apologies a male, 3 years old and quite a big dog it can easily put its paws on my shoulders when it jumps up and I am over 6 foot. I think he is active enough runs around the garden like a lunatic chewing up the grass.
I have walked him myself however he is very reactive to other dogs and appears quite aggressive.

 

[JoanneF]

I'd say definitely more exercise then, but if he hasn't been accustomed to it, build up gradually.

Regarding the reactivity to other dogs, read the linked thread below, but do please ask if anything is unclear, or if you have different circumstances.

Dog Reactivity

 

[James69]

Thank you for your replies and advice it is greatly appreciated.

 

[JudyN]

Depending on his cross (and personality) he might not need too much exercise, but ideally he would be having a walk every day. He would probably benefit from some general training and mental stimulation, to keep his brain working - have a read of this thread: Mental enrichment for dogs Bear in mind that sighthounds are pretty much the opposite of collies - they don't see the point of doing what you want for the sake if it - sit, down, stand, sit, is pointless and they're likely to wander off and go back to the sofa for a snooze.

What is his behaviour like in the home? Does he seem happy/content, and does he have any habits you'd rather he didn't?

If you have transport, you might be able to find enclosed fields he can run in - you might find one here: The Original Listings Site for Enclosed Dog Walking Fields in the UK And sighthounds often get on well with other sighthounds even when they're not keen on other dogs, so if you could find a buddy, even better. (This doesn't apply to all sighthounds obviously - you might already know what he's like with other pointy dogs from his reactive behaviour.)

 

[James69]

He is an absolute gem, a very nice nature likes to lie on the floor and get under your feet. No real issues other than being reactive on a walk.

 

[JudyN]

That's good to hear Hopefully the link JoanneF posted will help.

 

[James69]

Yes all very good information thank you.