At the shelter, we interact with the dogs every day.  Most days some, if not all, of the dogs get to go out for a walk with one of the volunteers.  It gives the dog a break from the shelter life, even for 15 minutes, and helps balance the dog and sometimes even the volunteer.  You can't be in 'a mood' when you have a happy dog at the end of the leash!  We use different trainers' techniques when working with the dogs on various things.  For dog walking, we use Cesar Millan's way for leash walking.  Cesar's Way makes sense for the shelter dogs and we have had the most success using his tips. 

Below is an article from the Dog Whisperer's website www.cesarsway.com that we thought was informative and helpful. 

Exercise: Challenge Your Dog Physically

All dogs require exercise to lead balanced, healthy lives.

Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean he needs less exercise, and, although breed can give an indication of the dog’s energy level, the final judgment must be made on the individual dog’s needs.

As your dog’s pack leader, you must help her to expend her energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk. Some dogs may require additional activities, such as running, Frisbee, or swimming, in addition to—but never replacing—the walk.

Remember that dogs are animals, and animals need to travel and discover the world. A big back yard is no substitute for a good walk. Master the walk and your dog will relate to you on a deeper level.

(From www.cesarsway.com)