Puppies are full of energy and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Exercise also helps puppies burn off excess energy, preventing them from becoming bored and destructive. Many people wonder how much exercise their puppy needs and what types of activities are appropriate. In addition, socialisation is a crucial aspect of raising a puppy. It helps them develop into confident and friendly adult dogs that are comfortable in different social situations.
As a general rule, we recommend that each walk doesn’t exceed 5x (their age in months) mins and 3-4 walks per day. However, the exact amount of exercise your puppy needs will depend on their age, breed, and overall health. Young puppies, in particular, should not be over-exercised as it can lead to joint problems later in life. It's always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of exercise for your puppy.
When it comes to puppy exercise, it's important to keep safety in mind. Puppies have a lot of energy and can be easily distracted, so it's important to keep them on a long leash or in a secure area when playing outdoors. We recommend investing in a 5-10m long lead connected to a comfortably fitted harness so your puppy still has the freedom to explore whilst you have peace of mind that you still have full control. Letting your puppy sniff and discover their new world at their own pace is essential for their well-being and development. ‘A relaxed lead leads to a relaxed dog’. Avoid exercising your puppy in extreme temperatures, such as during the hottest parts of the day or during very cold weather.
Some great exercises for puppies include short walks, games of fetch or tug-of-war, and interactive toys that encourage movement and play. Swimming can also be a great exercise for puppies, as it's low-impact and great for building stamina. However, always make sure your puppy is supervised around water and never leave them unattended. Be mindful not to let fetch or other ball games be the only game or exercise they do encounter. Over playing one particular game can actually have adverse effects and start to become stressful as well as having negative side affects on them physically too. The combination of this added stress and the addition of another dog, competing over getting the ball can have an undesired outcome. Be aware that they need mental exercise just as much as they need physical.
Socialising a puppy involves exposing them to different people, animals, and environments in a positive and controlled way. This helps them learn how to interact with others and helps prevent behavioural issues later in life.
One way to socialise a puppy is through puppy play dates. These are opportunities for puppies to interact with other puppies in a controlled and supervised environment. Puppy play dates allow puppies to learn how to play, communicate, and establish boundaries with other dogs. It's important to ensure that all the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations and that the play area is safe and free of hazards. It’s important to introduce them to a variety of different breeds of all sizes and ages, keeping each interaction rewarding as possible to promote their confidence. Be sure to include; Pugs, Frenchies, Boston terriers and other Brachycephalic breeds, these have short noses and often short tails and can therefore be hard for another dog to read their body language. Another way to socialise a puppy is through training classes. Puppy training classes not only provide structured training but also allow puppies to interact with other people and dogs. It's a great opportunity for puppies to learn basic obedience skills and develop positive behaviours.
Socialising a puppy also involves exposing them to different environments and situations. This can include taking them on walks in different areas, introducing them to new people and animals, and exposing them to different sights and sounds. It's important to start socialising puppies at a young age and to gradually increase the level of exposure as they get older. It helps them become well-adjusted and friendly adult dogs. It's important to start socialising puppies as early as possible and to provide them with plenty of love and attention to ensure that they develop into happy and healthy adult dogs.
‘Working meals’ are a great way to keep your puppy engaged and stimulated on their walks. Simply feed them their meals whilst on their walks, rewarding good behaviour and helping them overcome hurdles along the way through positive reinforcement, positive reinforcement and counter conditioning, they will start to benefit much more from their short walks.
In addition to physical exercise, puppies also need mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Interactive puzzle toys, training games, and hide-and-seek are all great ways to provide mental stimulation for your puppy.
It’s worth noting that as a puppy parent, it’s your responsibility to clean up after your furry friend, keep a close eye on them at all times and pick up whatever solids they leave behind.
In conclusion, regular exercise is important for the health and wellbeing of your puppy. However, it's important to keep safety in mind and consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of exercise for your puppy. By providing both physical, mental stimulation and lots of positive social experiences, you are laying the foundation for a happy, confident, and well-adjusted adult dog. So, embrace the joy of puppyhood and watch as your furry friend grows into a beloved companion with a wagging tail and a heart full of love.
