I just don't know to do

So once upon a time me and my asthmatic lungs were responsible for exercising a high maintenance German Shepherd who needed 5 mile walks every day. So I put him on a leash and walked he and my bike to a school, which happened to be the closest big chunk of empty asphalt I could find. You might try a parking lot.

Well, I climbed on the bike and started out just pedaling in a straight line, stopping, turning around and pedaling back. I used voice commands for everything: Let's go, Halt! Turn around.

Pretty soon he was doing great in straight lines - I mean like 10 minutes pretty soon - so we added turns, again with voice commands. Left! Right!

By the end of one 45 minute session he was ready for the road. We had a great time all summer. It was so much easier to teach him to bike than I thought it would be.

Good luck! A tired dog is a happy dog.

I second the treadmill. If you watch the dog whisperer you can get an idea of how to do it. The mental exercise works but the treadmill can be both. You can watch TV or read while your dog is on the treadmill. You would still need to walk your dog but it could be a lot shorter. You might look for a young person to hire to walk your dog. My mom has an active dog but it is alright as I walk him when I walk my dog. The old dog stays with Mom while I walk hers and my young one

Pawz4me wrote:
I agree with what Toedtoes said -- Physical exercise is great and some is absolutely necessary. But most people get way too caught up in that. Mental exercise tires a dog out much more and much more quickly than physical exercise. Get some brain games, play hide and seek (with you, with a favorite toy, with treats) work on obedience and trick training. All those can be done inside your house with little physical effort.

X2 Lots of mental work. Look for books by Susanne Clothier. She has great insight into dog behavior and needs.

Lisaren wrote:
We live in a very small town. No local dog obedience classes. No local dog park. No local doggie daycare. Really the socialization is the least of my worries. The dog weighs 35 pounds. I have no difficulty keeping him under control the few times people come by, or even on walks. It is really only a concern if he goes to another family. He is a house dog that is with me whenever I am at home and we will probably just have reduced outside activity until my work hours stabilize. My signature is a bit misleading. The kids are no longer rugrats, but extremely busy high school and college students. Dog care falls to me and I was aware if that at adoption, but life happens and work has increased in an unexpected manner. Thank you far all suggestions and support. If you have more to say i am ready to listen and learn. We are working on mind engagement. I was really just worried about reduced physical activity and some comments have helped me realize it is not quite as big a concern as I was making it.
Edited for spelling. Gee I can't spell on my phone.

Glad we were able to ease your mind. It shows that you are a good person to question your ability to care for your dog. It's easy to get caught up in the stress of new life situations and over-worry, but it sounds like you are relaxing a bit and looking at ways to adjust with your family intact.

Just remember: there are no perfect homes. There are good homes and dogs will adjust to the imperfect parts (just like we do). It is really rare for a dog to be in a home that can't work - a little effort, a realization that it's OK to not be perfect, and a bit of creativity to resolve issues is usually all it takes. If you're willing to give that much, then you're a good home and worth saving. :)

A treadmill can be used for physical exercise but you'll still need to find something for mental exercise

I agree with what Toedtoes said -- Physical exercise is great and some is absolutely necessary. But most people get way too caught up in that. Mental exercise tires a dog out much more and much more quickly than physical exercise. Get some brain games, play hide and seek (with you, with a favorite toy, with treats) work on obedience and trick training. All those can be done inside your house with little physical effort.

but extremely busy high school and college students.

If they are all living at home they can divide some of the dog care. Each one CAN find 30-60 minutes 1 day a week to help with the dog. No excuses. It's a household responsibility, not just a parent responsibility. Second option is to hire a dog walker a couple of times a week or find a kid in the neighborhood to play/exercise the dog for a small fee.

We live in a very small town. No local dog obedience classes. No local dog park. No local doggie daycare. Really the socialization is the least of my worries. The dog weighs 35 pounds. I have no difficulty keeping him under control the few times people come by, or even on walks. It is really only a concern if he goes to another family. He is a house dog that is with me whenever I am at home and we will probably just have reduced outside activity until my work hours stabilize. My signature is a bit misleading. The kids are no longer rugrats, but extremely busy high school and college students. Dog care falls to me and I was aware if that at adoption, but life happens and work has increased in an unexpected manner. Thank you far all suggestions and support. If you have more to say i am ready to listen and learn. We are working on mind engagement. I was really just worried about reduced physical activity and some comments have helped me realize it is not quite as big a concern as I was making it.
Edited for spelling. Gee I can't spell on my phone.

Is a doggie day care an option a few days a week? It would give your dog some socialization, and give him the exercise he needs.

I would suggest contacting a dog rescue. Many are by breed, but most are compassionate and make allowances for similar breeds or size. Once you explain the situation, they will find a foster home until a permanent arrangement can be made. I have had success with rescues, for family members unable to cope with their dogs. Plus I was given progress report for months after placement. Google rescues in your area and make a few phone calls. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the assistance you can find.