Reno with me at Brohard Dog Beach, Venice, FL

Reno looks small swimming in the big ocean, but he has gained a few pounds over the summer. During the long hot days in Florida, he sleeps away. We played Fetch and Tug-of-war in the air conditioned house. The only time to walk him was in the early morning or after the sun went down.

I took him to the beach to get some exercise from swimming. He doesn't like swimming that much. He doesn't act scared of the water. He just makes a beeline for the shore as soon as he can.

There were lots of dogs at the beach who were swimming and running around having a good time. They were burning up plenty of calories. If there is a dog beach near you, take your dog there to see if he likes it. It's getting cool for the beach, now it's fall. Your dog might like a dog park instead.