When we lived in Victoria, Chase got about 2 hours of exercise every day. Swimming, retrieving, walking, running, hiking, playing...he was a very busy dog! It was usually cool and breezy.
Since moving to Toronto 2 weeks ago, it's been really hot. He mostly sleeps all day, with a bit of ball chasing in the yard or the basement (no more than about 10 minutes at a time). I walk him in the evening on leash for at least 30-40 minutes, and on days when it isn't too hot in the morning, I might take him to the park to chase a ball around (although it's been too hot for even that lately). I try to give him a frozen rec bone outside every day or two for extra stimulation.
He seems quite content. He isn't putting on weight. He isn't destructive or needy. He isn't chewing at his paws or exhibiting any compulsive behaviours. But I can't help but feel that I'm not meeting his needs with a sedate walk in the evening and a few stick chasing sessions during the day! He's a 1.5 year old retriever and I keep thinking that he's SUPPOSED to be full of beans and energy. It's been very hard for us (or at least for me) to transition from a very dog-friendly and water-rich neighbourhood to a hot, humid one in which most of the local dogs have never even been for a swim.
If Chase seems happy to sleep the day away, can I assume that he's getting enough exercise and stimulation? Am I letting myself get far too worried about my dog's happiness?
Thanks for your thoughts!