[simoncgy]

Does anybody know how much exercise is ideal for a puppy, and if so, over how long do you increase it to 2 - 45 minute runs per day? (Jake is 13 weeks). I take him on 4 brisk 10 minute walks a day. He seems to love it (except on really cold days - I'm in Canada and he HATES the cold so those walks usually end up being 2 mins).

I know too much exercise can be bad for puppies and want to ensure I don't do more harm than help. I want him to be able to run with me in the mornings and evenings (45mins each time), but don't expect he will be up to this until he's about 2 years old? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Guest]

18 months is about the time you should/could run him. His bone structure will be fully grown at that time. Until then I would just let him be a puppy and run as he pleases, he'll be super active and run plenty on his own. He'll take breaks when he needs to. Walks are fine with him, not super long though. My boy just turned 2 years and I just started to run him while I bike, I didnt want to damage him in anyway before that. It wouldnt be fair to him. 18 months will fly by! Hope that helps.........cute face on that little man!

 

[samsonsmom]

The rule of thumb is 5 minutes for every moth of age....But like Shawn said, I would watch out for strenous activities til after 18 months or so..Even walking prior to that, I'd try to stay off pavement, walk on grass if possible to give a bit of cushion

 

[simoncgy]

Great! Thanks to both of you. It sounds as though I am doing it right, and 18 months is not too long to wait. Until then, we'll enjoy our brief leisurely strolls around the park.

 

[sully]

4 walks a day???  13 weeks is too young for daily forced walks, imho.   Not just the exercise, but he hasn't had all his shots yet either so I wouldn't even take him beyond your own yard.   I would just let him choose his own pace in the yard for a few more weeks

 

[Guest]

Jetta had been fully vaccinated by 13 weeks...depends on the vet...don't condem him before you get all the information

 

[sully]

Like I said, imho.....(in my own humble opinion).  He/she asked for advice and I gave mine!

 

[tootsie]

I wouldn't do any forced excercise before the age of 6 months, that includes any amount of leash walks.  I understand some may need to walk the pup for potty breaks, but other than that, I wouldn't walk them at all. After 6 months I would adhere to the 5 minutes per every month of age rule.
It's a good idea to wait until the growth plates have closed, which should be anywhere from 10 months to 2 years, so 18 months is a good guideline for that. In the meantime, I would just let him run and play at his own free will. Let Jake make the decision of when and how hard to play. Enjoy the silly antics of puppyhood!  

 

[simoncgy]

I appreciate all the advice, that's how I can make the most informed decision.

I did speak with the vet, and he said 4 - 10 minute walks a day are fine and are important for socialisation. Jake loves to go and they aren't walks that are forced - they are literally one block and at his leisure. He seems to love the exploration, meeting other people and dogs - believe me these aren't forced or strenuous - I know that can damage his bones. He has had the sufficient shots to be admist other dogs, (with the exception of rabies which is next month). Interestingly, he loves to pounce and the vet said to try and limit how much of that he does on our hardwood floors.

I do appreciate all the advice. Thanks to everyone!

 

[Britneysdad]

THis is just my opinion - I think it depends upon your circumstances. For example my yard is pretty small and if I walk around in circles even I get dizzy not to mention Britney gets tired of walking in circles. Just imagine when you are so fixated on your puppy going to the bathroom and you get dizzy and blury eyed following their movements! heheh this happens to me because I always wait so I can place a paper under her so the cleaning is easier in the grass.

Anyhow, all i have is pavement to walk on so I take her for 15 minutes walks allot.

 

[nano]

I like the way you are exercising your pup.

 

[Guest]

Hmm I just let peggy out and she runs around... I have almost an acre 1/2 lightly woded...She hops jumps ands plays for a bit then I let her back in after she does her busines....