A friend who was living with a large dog took offense to my suggestion that both he and his dog needed more outdoor exercise.
They both lived in a large apartment in the city.
My friend kept late hours.
A dog sitter came once a day and took the dog for a slow walk.
Not surprisingly, the dog became overweight.
So did my friend.
This is truly pet abuse.
I have another friend who is a vet.
She says most pets she sees suffer from obesity; and yet belong to enlightened, educated owners.
So what is wrong? I think most pet owners do not realize that like many serious relationships, owning a pet, particularly a dog brings on a need to commit to certain behaviours.
They look at owning a pet as fun, not hard work.
Here is some advice for good behaviours as owners.

1. Exercise
2. Do not over feed your pet
3. Understand that however domesticated, pets need to be outdoors.
   Cooped up inside of an apartment can depress them

Most dogs do not get enough exercise.
Nor do their owners.
My suggestion is, if you cannot commit to a 2 hour outdoor regimen at least 4 times a week, do not get a dog.
Get a cat, who does not need as much maintenance.
One of the fallacies of pet owning is that pets are there for you.
Not true.
Pets can bring great joy to you, but only if they are properly cared for and nurtured.
Have you for instance checked your pet's weight.
Or yours? Because if you are overweight, you will not exercise nor have the energy to run or jog or walk long with your pet.
So my advice is, make sure you and your family understand what you are getting into with your pet.