When sitting for canines I have learned to conduct a slow assessment of their albites to walk or hike by starting with a few short promenades around the 'hood or a close safe area. Often, the health, mannerism, and ability of a canine are quickly revealed. I have discovered that at times the homeowner shares their ideal vision of what they hope their pup can do, but this can vary based on the canines separation anxiety, energy levels, medication, diet, and honestly their overall health. Recently, owners of a small breed pup requested that I walk him 2 hours a day, but after listening to the canine he let me know his short legs needed a rest after a few short walks. I realized it had been awhile that his busy pup parents had anytime to walk him, and their hope was based on past work schedules and his past endurance. Just like us no strolls into the gym for the first week expecting to be at peak condition. Taking the time to assess and observe can assist the canines we serve to experience a healthy, happy and safe experience. Do you agree? Have you yourself assessed-making an accommodation for a pet?
Yeah I have seen some older dogs in listings with big hours. I think sometimes it’s not updated as the dog ages. Sometimes maybe it’s mood thing, dog thinks nah not today.
The same works the other way. I’ve been told dogs only need 20 minutes when actually they want more. Presumably because the owners haven’t the time to give them proper walks
Smiley that is an outstanding point! Thank you for this addition. 
@Gratitude, spot on 
. We’ve been there - in terms of both material over/understatement of exercise, and misstatement of foods.
As we’ve gained experience then we increasingly balance pet parent guidance with our personal experience and physical dog observation … then adapt both exercise and dog food accordingly. Our overriding objective is happy pet experience, rather than some form of compliance test versus pet parent welcome guide.
Love your attitude 
Gotyourback - thank you for this thoughtful and kind reply! 
Cathie - I’m glad you brought up the age. I have noticed the canine’s age wasn’t updated in a Welcome Package, hence the nuances were also outdated. Great point Cathie!
Yup. I sat a dog who was barely walked, poor thing.
The host showed me their normal walk and said they should walk her more. I didn’t criticize. Instead, I just took her on longer walks and shared photos, so they knew we were going longer and more frequently. She started pooping more frequently, too.
She loved our time together and tried to walk farther when the hosts returned, which they told me about.
Thank you for sharing Maggie8K 
There is a pattern emerging - we as sitters are the common denominator, and experienced common sense assessment = best practice. 
The trouble is, as I’ve mentioned before when this subject came up, the owners return and the poor dog goes back to hardly being walked again…..
Yes, agreed. I was hoping that they’d walk her more once they saw how eager she was, but don’t know that they would.
Ugh, I’m sorry Smiley - I truly understand how frustrating this can be. We can hope we plant the seed, but sadly some seeds never blossom.
Maggi8k Understood