the real secret is to know your dog (dogs)........ some eat better, condition easily, some walk well others hate it, a lot depends on the feeding regime, the weather plays its part, how old are they ? (younger dogs condition easier) how are they bred? ( saluki and deerhound x's need different work from a collie x) what kind of land you hunt etc etc etc don't let them get bored, i use ball work in the park and beach depending on the time of day or weather, roadwork and massage play a big part as does the speed of the work, an hour in the woods working cover and catching ferret food does no harm