My pup is getting on in years and walks around the house like Eeyore most of the time. Some how he knows when its time to hunt and there is no way you are getting out of the house without him. When he is in the field he is a completely different dog. I just make sure and take it easy and dont let him push himself to hard. If that means shorter hunts so be it I think its a small price to pay to make him happy!