Understanding our dog

My dog and I understand each other. I respect that he needs to exercise a lot; walk at least 2-3 hours a day. So days, I am busy, we get up at 6 am and we go for our morning walk of an hour to an hour and a half, then I rush home midday for our second one hour walk before going to work. After work, depending on the season, we may do a brief 20 minutes walk or if light out may go back to a park for an hour walk.  Curl gets at least 2 hours walk a day. On days, I am free, we spend most day out walking, playing, spending time together. This week, we had the luxury to enjoy the weather, tuesday we covered 10 miles walking, wednesday we went running together, while thursday we walked 5 miles. Yesterday, we walked 7 miles and he went swimming. Curl loves water, he could be a lab, though it means I will have to bath him, I respect his needs. If he likes it and it makes him happy while being healthy (good on his joints, refreshing, keeping him cool as it's hot out) then I let him do it. He's happy then I am happy. In some ways, this is how we bond. I have a happy dog who loves me and knows I love him.