walking question

[osdbmom]

My 10 month old pup, zoey, loves to walk. I mean, she could walk for hours and not get tired. She's very energetic. We live in a subdivision so I have no problem walking her a couple times a day, usually a couple miles each time. My new puppy Ziva is a little 3 lb yorkie, and being a yorkie, obviously she thinks she is bigger than she is and should be able to do everything that Zoey does. She loves it outside and wants to take walks with us. I started her out thinking I would walk her a little ways then bring her back home and finish walking Zoey, but that is not the case, she wants to just keep going!! Gosh, yesterday I walked her at least two miles, and when I went to take just Zoey out for her night walk, Ziva pitched a fit at the door to go, so I took her. Ive talked to some other owners of yorkies, who are horrified that Im even walking her, let alone that far, the thinking there that yorkies are too delicate to walk that much, that they should always stay indoors and get exercise in the house. But Ziva loves it outside, she bounces and hops and runs, she doesnt lay down or act tired on a walk, she isnt exhausted when we get home.
Im wondering what other owners of small dogs do? how far do you walk them? can it actually do any damage to walk small dogs this far?

[Cracker]

Those other people are full of beans. Yorkies are terriers, not delicate little flowers. LOL
That being said, long leash walks without off leash yard or park time are very hard on any dog's bodies, especially young ones. It is a long term repetitive movement in one direction. Dogs need "cross training" to build all of their muscles and bones correctly. So, depending on the age of your new puppy I would be very aware of how far/long you walk her. Also, it is a good idea to walk new puppies SOLO the majority of the time in the first six months or so of their lives so they can learn to handle the sounds, sights and adventures of the world on their own terms and you can focus on THEM for training, socialization and manners.

[hanksimon]

I agree with Cracker... Ziva is delicate, only if stepped on ... maybe. :-) A neighborhood 6 lb Yorkie female acts like it is Sadie Hawkin's Day when she sees my 60 lb neutered Lab male. She easily runs under him and has been stepped on occasionally with no apparent issues. Otherwise, she has no problems playing with him.

As far as long walks, it is suggested that large dog puppies shouldn't be over exercised. However, I'd imagine that a Yorkie is more self-limiting, as far as problems with a long walk. Also, I imagine that you let them stop and sniff, as desired. Running and jumping are a different issue.

[Tankstar]

Yorkies, like every other dog, are dogs. they were bred for a job, and are terriers. full of energy. just because a dog is little, doesnt mean i shoulnt or doesnt need excersise. I hate how people seem to think that of little dogs.

My friends 3 chihuahuahs regularly go hiking with me and my 2 boys. these are about 3 hour long hikes in the woods, crossing rivers, streams, climbing cliffs ect. they keep up just fine and never slow down.