"I walk him twice a day!" A walk around the block is not exercise. They need to run. They need to engage in play that exercises both their bodies and their minds. They need to jump and leap and frolic and chase and bark and, well, be dogs!
Even the teeny tiny pocket babies need to run. They are dogs also. Really! It's true!
"He HAS a huge back yard to play in!" Yay!!!! However. Who plays with him?? What does he have to Do out there besides run up and down the fence and bark at the neighbor dogs?? He must have a constructive outlet for his energy or he will be eating your flowers, digging up your bushes, climbing over your fence to go out and entertain the neighbors, and you, with a very fun game of 'catch me if you can!'.
Brain work is exercise. If there are days when you Can't exercise - give that dog a job. Make him earn his food, his pets, his treats. Sit, down, stay games are basic. Teach him a new trick, throw the ball up and down the hall or the stairs. Do something with him - isn't companionship why you got him??
Classes are great for exhaustion. Remember the last time you took a class, or got a new job or focused on new skill learning? You came home exhausted. I had a couple come into class with their lab puppy and told me "We come home from class, he's exhausted, goes to sleep and we have date night!"
A tired dog is a good dog. And, to be honest, a short slow walk around the block is no exercise for you either.
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