I am going through Physical Therapy and the pain in my foot is getting worse every day but i am able to stand on it but not walk very far. But is it a bad thing when I just let my 2 dogs outside in the back yard and play till they are tired??

Did that today and they are happy as can be chewing on their bones after playing :D

I'm sure it's fine. If they're acting normal and relaxed (not neurotic, pacing, bouncing off walls, getting into things, etc)....then they are just fine. They have their playtime outdoors and mental stimulation when they're inside with you. Lots of dogs aren't anywhere near as fortunate :) pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

You could always come up with some kind of "mental exercise" games to play with your dogs. Even teach them a couple new commands. A good mental workout can be just as satisfying as a physical one. I've spent blizzardy winter days sitting on my living room floor trying to teach one of my dogs to retrieve specific toys by name. Last winter I was stuck in the house for 3 days, snowed in, and by the time my driveway got plowed out, I had her recognizing three different words for her toys.

At the time I had 3 dogs....and the one I worked with was my "spaz" who needed definite daily exercise. She was bouncing off the walls, so I figured I'd either let her drive me insane, or I'd pass the time by giving her something to do, LOL. This year I went and got a 4th dog, a serious hunting-line Brittany, who's got twice the energy needs. She's tons of fun :) But on snow days when I can't get her out for a long run, the two Spaz Sisters burn off a TON of energy just wrestling and playing. So I'm sure your dogs are fine with the arrangement. Not to mention it sounds like it's only temporary- you'll be able to walk again at some point, right? Best wishes. :)

I don't see why letting them outside and play is being a bad owner. Isn't this what you would normally do to get them exercise? Let them outside and play? I take my dog out every night after work...rain or shine to get exercise. Am I being a bad owner?

To the person who answered before me...please do not put your dog on a treadmill. THey can get seriously hurt.

How about puting your dog on your tredmill (if you have one) or im sure you could get someone in your neighbour hood who has dogs and walks them often and are happy to have your dog tag along. or someone who would like to walk your dog even if they don't have a dog? good luck. And i hope your foot gets better soon :)

If it's only for a while then I think it is ok. But you could also hire someone to walk them a few days a week, so they aren't just shut in the backyard. My parents do that when they have to both work for a long day.

No you are not a bad owner. They are still going outside and playing in the back yard. When you feel up to it, take them for a walk!! Hope u feel better soon.

If thats all you can do, thats all you can do.

Its certainly not enough for a high-energy dog, but whats the other option?

lots o dogs

Nothing wrong with that. Not everyone is able to walk their dog 3 miles a day or afford a dog walker. Just keeping them active is the key..

If its temporary then ur okay but try and get someone who can take them out...
And 'Blazzzzin' the fact that u neva take ur dog on a walk everyday makes u a bad owner.

Got dogs

Not if it's temporary and out of your control. Just make sure it's not too cold for them and be sure there's plenty of water to drink.

Hope your foot gets better, and I don't see that being a problem. As long as your supervising them.