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I think that it's human nature to bound by our own experiences, whether they're good or bad.... My own good ones (in dog ownership terms) have involved spaniel crosses with several friends having had pure breeds. All have proven extremely energetic, especially when young, and happiest when wet...

Except that which he sneaks when you're not looking perhaps... I reckon that the description of a dining table in dog language is 'the floor', and whatever particularly smelly or festering tid-bits that reside there are fair game.

I hope your search eventually turns up something relevant and within your budget. I realise that you "want more involvement" and that practising training/behaviour is your aim, but I would have thought that dog walking/sitting might a) be a great opportunity to see plenty of behavioural issues...

Just came across this link Dangers of doggy obesity - My Best Friend dog Care which is pretty hard-hitting but absolutely reinforces the dangers of obesity. It also mentions the 'rib test' as a rough guide. Anyone who could read it, see evidence of obesity in their own pet and ignore it...

The 'denial' thing is a big issue in our society and crosses over all sorts of excesses, not just excess weight. I was at our vet's today for Rufus' annual checkup and they've got a model you can run your hand across as a guide to how defined the rib cage should be in a healthy animal. Can't...

Your description's really lifelike! Makes me wince just to think of it. When Rufus did that, I worried that the replacement joints he had in his back 'knees' when he was only about 18 months old (and before we took him over) would pop apart. They've lasted really well when you think what...

Just be careful you don't run over any less-old dogs, or their owners! Mind you, given the pace of technology, the dogs might have motorised scooters of their own by then.... No, seriously, reading the great responses I've already been kindly offered, the main thing is to allow them to go abut...

And therein lies another issue for us. I often think that I wouldn't get anywhere near as much exercise without Rufus, and that when he eventually toddles of this mortal coil that I'd have to get another dog. However, he's such a brilliant animal (attentive, obedient, fun - bombproof really)...

Taking Granny snowboarding, eh? She might like that, although on the other hand it might finish her off! Sounds like a bit of a 'Mad' idea, Mr Murphy!! A theme that's run through this topic is that of taking a cue from your dog, and I think that's excellent advice. My dog would chase after...

I think that being under- rather than over-weight is always going to keep them fit. That's probably far easier with the spaniel type dogs that have been mentioned today, as opposed to some of the 'naturally larger' ones you see out and about. They're 'naturally busier' and don't have much...

14 was the age at which our 'Polo' Jack Russell/Springer cross made. Sorry to hear about your loss; it's brought back some sad memories for us too, some 19 years since we lost him. From what you say, the signs will probably be there to see - excepting any 'illness' that might occur, they'll...

I agree with your sentiments entirely. "The more you do, the more you can do" has always been one of my sayings, (with the reverse just as accurate I reckon), and there's no doubt that it adds to our feeling of well-being. Interesting about the cold weather though. I suppose that more...

My dog's a Patterdale/Springer cross, so - like your springer - at even at 10+ years would go on forever. He gets a 20 minute walk in the morning, plus a 40-60 minute one in the late afternoon and - again, like yours - is happy and relaxed. If anything, he appears hungrier and hasn't put on...

As I get older, I'm finding that what I eat and the amount of exercise I need are changing. I wonder if it's the same for my dog? He's getting on too, but doesn't show any signs of slowing down but I don't want to let him 'overdo' things and so I thought I'd see what other owners' experiences are.