Puppy exercise question

Cinnamontoast

Cinnamontoast

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The pups are going out on Saturday for the first time. We're going to the woods down the wide paths so lots of room to pass other dogs etc.

My question is how far should we go with 15 week old puppies? They play all day outside with regular enforced rest and will be deeply asleep by 9pm and in their cage til 7am.

They seem a lot more energetic than Brig was at that age but I'm paranoid about harming their baby joints.

Pic for those of you kind enough to look/reply.

IMAG0087.jpg
 
aww cute, with all my pups (ranging from wee staffies up to huge mastiffs) Ive used the general rule othum of 5 mins exercise per month of age up until a year old and Ive not had any issues :-)
 
I'd say free running in short bursts until about 6-9 months, no enforced yomps on hard surfaces, too much hillwork or repetitive jumping/leaping up and down from height.
For lead work on a hard surface at a brisk pace, B got about 40 minutes from six months, then upped by gradually so he was up to 60-90 minutes in one go by 12 months, with lots of play and training (but not enough :o) to keep his mind occupied.

You're right to be paranoid - I know I've mentioned before but I know of a couple had to put a dog to sleep at 12 months because his elbows had basically disintegrated, they had been walking him two miles a day on the road at 12 weeks :o
Little and often I think is the best way for babies.
 
Little and often - 10 mins and then as others have said 5 mins extra for each passing month until 11/12 months. Then lots of play to stimulate the mind etc.

One thing i always do is avoid jumping up/down from a height. This includes in and out of car. Complete pain in the a$$ but well worth the effort.

I'm not AS strict with the spangles as i am with the labs with the jumping rule but still try and do whats best for them - especially as they generally have a 'high milage' life with us as working dogs!


Gorgeous pups!!!!!! I want ... oh hang on i've got 8 of them at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Last edited:
Scranny_Ann said:
Gorgeous pups!!!!!! I want ... oh hang on i've got 8 of them at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Can I have the l/w with lots of markings just to keep Brig company? He's feeling ostracised as the only liver and white! He's the one initiating play currently and having to be told to calm down so as not to wear out the pups!


Cool, so about 20-25 minutes given they're almost 4 months. It'll be lead walks in the woods, no tarmac at all except for the car park.
 
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