{"id":3194,"date":"2019-01-13T17:58:17","date_gmt":"2019-01-13T22:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fairmountpetservice.com\/Blog\/?p=3194"},"modified":"2020-08-18T10:39:27","modified_gmt":"2020-08-18T15:39:27","slug":"how-much-exercise-does-puppy-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fairmountpetservice.com\/Blog\/pet-services-blog\/dog-walking\/how-much-exercise-does-puppy-need\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Exercise Does A Puppy Need?"},"content":{"rendered":"

How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

A puppy needs enough exercise to burn off that energy they have, but not so much that they injure their developing joints. They also need to relieve themselves every few hours while avoiding other dogs.<\/p>\n

To avoid injuries and other dogs, do 2-3 short walks per day\u00a0and many quick pee breaks. Try the following: walks of 15 minutes for puppies up to 3 months old, 30 minute for 3 to 6 months old, and 45 minutes maximum until they are about a year old. Twice a day, every day.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a nice guideline that builds up to longer walks while strengthening their legs.<\/p>\n

In time you will learn your puppy\u2019s limits and can deviate from the guideline, just don\u2019t overdo it. A puppy can suffer bone and joint injuries if you give them too much exercise at a young age. Here are some general puppy exercise tips:<\/p>\n

Tip #1: Don\u2019t exercise large dog breeds too much\u00a0when they are a puppy. Keep their walks and exercise sessions short until at least 6 months old.<\/p>\n

Tip #2: To prevent potential bloat, don\u2019t exercise a puppy an hour before or after feedings.<\/p>\n

Tip #3: Stick to the \u201c5-minute rule\u201d. For every month of age, you\u00a0can add\u00a05 minutes to their walk time.<\/p>\n

Tip #4: Stay focused on your puppy\u2019s well-being. Try to resist that temptation to show off your puppy and keep the exercise time and distance to a minimum.<\/p>\n

But there are more things to consider when knowing the exercise needs of your puppy. We have the number of minutes of exercise figured out. Let\u2019s take a look at some other topics involving exercising your puppy.<\/p>\n

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When Can I Start to Walk my Puppy?<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Short Answer<\/b><\/strong>: You can start walking your puppy right away in my opinion. But only if you do short walks\u00a0(quick pee breaks)\u00a0and avoid other dogs. Let’s cover some facts first.<\/p>\n

Puppies have lots of energy and weak bladders. As a result, they need to go out to pee a lot which is a good way to burn off their extra energy.<\/p>\n

But there are some conflicting issues with exercising puppies. They need to go outside for a few reasons: to relieve themselves, for socialization and for exercise.<\/p>\n

The problem is they\u00a0also have to be careful of coming in contact with viruses. Until their final round of vaccination shots, their immune systems are weak,\u00a0The easiest way for them to come into contact with viruses is from sniffing other dogs or the areas where other dogs have relieved themselves.<\/p>\n

Socializing with dogs is not an option, And long walks are not recommended.. That\u2019s more time to come in contact with viruses\u00a0and remember their joints and bones are fragile.<\/p>\n

To be totally safe, you have to wait until a week or two after their final vaccination shot. So try and get the earliest possible appointment for the shots.\u00a0That\u2019s usually when they are 4 months old. At that point though, you can let them meet as many dogs as they want (which is every dog you pass).<\/p>\n

So how can you give them pee breaks, exercise, and socialization with these constraints?<\/p>\n

For socialization, try taking your dog to puppy classes. Another option is to find another puppy in your area and schedule puppy play dates.\u00a0That won\u2019t be as easy but it\u2019s something to think about.<\/p>\n

As for the exercise needs, try exercising your puppy at home.<\/p>\n

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\"Puppy<\/p>\n

Puppy Exercise Indoors<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n

So only doing short walks means you may have to exercise your dog inside. Here are some indoor puppy exercise tips:<\/p>\n