Is it cruel to keep a dog always on a leash? Does it need to play?

No, it's not idea that these dogs never go for a walk. Daily exercise is very important, especially for labs, and they should be getting walks at least twice a day. Unfortunately, you cannot make your neighbor walk them. As for never cleaning up, it's gross but again you can't make your neighbor clean the area.

I think thats an appropriate amount of exercise for a 15 week old labradoodle. Giving him a healthy outlet to use up that puppy energy will help keep him out of trouble and will maximize his focus and attention when you are working with him on training. The only other suggestion would be to ensure that you ARE taking some time to train him to walk on a leash. Leash walks will be a valuable skill that will serve both of you well for his entire life. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/training/leash-training-puppy Thank you for asking PetCoach!

It is very generous of you to offer your time to this dog. Dogs tend to live in the moment. Although they certainly remember things, they do not have the same type of regret or sense of loss that people have, so he will remember you playing with him, but won't be sad after you leave remembering playing with you. Playing with him could also be good because the owner may see how much fun it is to play with his dog and may continue playing with him even after you leave. Good luck! I hope things work out! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I agree with you that spending the majority of the time caged is not a good way for your seven dogs to live. If you are too busy to walk or play with them and they are spending most of their time cages the best thing (and most fair thing for the dogs) is to try to find them a different home. Seven dogs are a lot to care for so if you found good homes for some of them, then you'd have more quality time to spend with the others. There may be rescue groups in your area that can help you find a good home for your dogs where they can get the attention they deserve. Until you are able to re-home them I recommend trying to take them out and play with them as much as possible. Good luck and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In your first post you indicated that you and Bruno walked miles, so I think cutting it down just a little bit may help. If you can be more specific about at which point in the walk (which mile or how many minutes) he wants to turn around that would be helpful. I have never heard of short walks or no walks shortening the life span of a dog. Obesity shortens the life span of dogs. Exercise is healthy for the body and mind. If Bruno doesn't want to walk for miles at a time then try a dog park, or playing Frisbee or throwing a ball. If you want to push the walks then take breaks to let him stop and sniff or throw the ball or rough house for 5-10 mins then resume your walk. I hope this helps and I hope you have a great day!

Yes, I would do that. He does need more exercise even if it's just walking as opposed to playing or running. That being said, be sure he has had all his vaccinations before taking him to any dog parks or anywhere that a lot of dogs congregate so that he doesn't catch something. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

That's not a stupid question! It's great that your dogs get so much exercise! They will likely take enough breaks during the day that they will not over exert themselves, but there are some things that you can do to help keep them happy and safe. As you mentioned, make sure they always have fresh water available. Make sure they have shelter to protect them from the elements, secure fencing to help prevent them from getting lost, that they are microchipped and wearing identification tags in case they get out, and do not leave them outside during extreme heat, cold, or emergency situations. I also recommend speaking to your veterinarian about having them neutered as soon as possible, as this can help reduce behaviours associated with the instinct to mate (such as humping, urine marking, aggression and roaming away from home) and help keep them safe.