A huge benefit for dog owners is the regular exercise that owning a dog brings. Come rain or shine, many a dog will not let you rest until they have had their daily (or second or even third) walk says veterinary surgeon Graham Lewis.
Even in the worst weather my collie-cross will not settle until we go out, and it is extremely rare that I don’t enjoy it. I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choices! My spaniel has decided that there is such a thing as bad weather as she has gotten older and is less keen, but still trudges along in the rain.
How much exercise should puppies get?
One of the most common questions we get asked by new dog owners is how much exercise to give puppies and how much is too much for their developing bones. Most new owners are keen to get their puppies out and socialising – and for good reason, as getting puppies to experience as much as possible in their socialisation window is key for having a well-rounded adult dog.
The socialisation window is from 3 to 12 weeks and during this period they are more receptive to new sounds, smells, people, places and animals. Obviously for a large part of this window they are not vaccinated so there is a risk taking them to new places, but they can interact with vaccinated dogs and meet plenty of new people. Talk to your vet about the risks and benefits during this time.
Puppies are full of play and fun, and are pretty good at self regulating this – as long as they are allowed to rest. This is why giving them a safe space or a crate to go and relax in is important and may also lead to more peaceful nights for you as a new owner!
Once they are vaccinated and protected you will obviously want to get them out on more formal walks. When we first got our spaniel Clova as a puppy I was a keen fell walker and runner and I was desperate to get her out experiencing the hills, however I had to rein myself in as taking them out on longer walks is really not a good idea until they are fully grown.
Overexercising growing dogs can affect bone and joint development and can lead to permanent damage as adults such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, so it really is important to ensure that they (and you) don’t over do it. So how do you stop your puppy becoming bored and frustrated while ensuring they socialise and develop normal, healthy bones?
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How to keep your puppy entertained
Play
Mental and physical stimulus throughout the day for younger puppies is the best way that they can socialise, learn and grow. This is a great way of bonding with them, teaching them some essential commands and spoiling them with new toys. Inviting friends with vaccinated dogs can help them interact with other animals as well. But do remember to let them have time out and their own space so they can recharge their batteries and give the bones a rest.
Walks
Don’t expect to go anywhere far or fast, let them explore their surroundings and sniff every bush and when they get tired pick them up. Many will have heard the ‘5 minutes per month of age’ suggestion, this is not based on any studies and while it will be appropriate for some dogs, it really isn’t for others. Do slowly build it up over time, but don't expect to be running with your dog until they are fully mature – this can be anything from 9 months for small breeds to 2 years old for larger breeds! If you can get them out and about around the end of the socialisation window, introduce them to as many new situations as you can, but you may have to carry your puppy for some of this.
Safe space
Puppies will need time out, and are not always the best at recognising this themselves so it may need to be enforced at times! Giving them their own space where they can go and relax away from other animals and humans (especially little humans) can really benefit them. A covered crate in a cool part of the house can create a safe environment for them.
Diet
The other factor that affects bone and joint health and development is diet. A complete puppy food is essential to ensure good growth and minimise the risk of developmental problems like hip dysplasia.
Things to avoid:
Avoid stairs until at least 12 weeks old if possible, and try and avoid high impact exercise like jumping and running with your dog until they are fully grown.
It is fine to let your puppy run around in the garden and play, but avoid overstimulating them for too long. Ensure they take breaks. You may need to give them enforced time out from play (this is where the safe space comes in really handy).
So I’m afraid there is no straight answer to this common question, but if you follow the advice above and put in the effort while they are growing you will hopefully soon have an adult dog that is very well balanced, used to most situations and has healthy bones and joints. I had to be patient with Clova, but we started slowly building up her runs in the hills once she was fully grown and she quickly completed all the Wainwright fells in the Lake District!
