Puppy Exercise??

[Charles V]

I am a new user at Rottweiler.net and have found this to be a very beneficial message board. I have been able to find the answers to most of my questions by using the search engine and reading the archives, but have not found the answers to all my questions.

I have had dogs all my life, but am a new Rottweiler owner. I have two 12 week old male puppies from the same litter (Dirk & Falko). I absolutley love these dogs, and am becoming happier with the decision to get Rotts every day. Crate training is going very well, obedience training is going well, I have a few issues with their diet but have found some very good info here and will be applying it shortly.

My question for today is regarding exercise for Dirk and Falko. Everything that I have read and heard suggests that Rotts can be very difficult if they dont have alot of attention and exercise. Obviously I wouldnt take them on 3 mile hikes yet, but I figured that just a walk down the street (1/4 mile) wouldnt be bad...until a few moments ago when I read that the playing with littermates is the only exercise that puppies need.

Should Dirk and Falko be getting any extra exercise right now? If not, when? If so, how much?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

[damp]

I don’t think your pups need more exercise, but they need to be raised, trained, played with and socialized as individuals and not just as a set.

I suggest you take each pup alone on small walks … out to explore the world to gain confidence and self-assurance in it’s own pace. The pups must also learn to act reasonably when left alone.

[myandromeda]

Originally posted by damp
I don’t think your pups need more exercise, but they need to be raised, trained, played with and socialized as individuals and not just as a set.

I suggest you take each pup alone on small walks … out to explore the world to gain confidence and self-assurance in it’s own pace. The pups must also learn to act reasonably when left alone.

I second that notion! When exercising them, try and do it seperatly as well as together. I too have two male "brothers" each 8 months old. We are still trying to "fix" some of the mistakes that we made. :o

As to how much exercise, our boys would take short jaunts and then tucker out because they pretty much played together all day. We did like to take them into the park (which is right across the street from us!) and romp with them as well. But as damp mentioned and I agree, do things with them seperatly, otherwise they will get very dependant on having each other around...

[Terrie]

Welcome to rottweiler.net! :)

Here's my 2 cents. Play fetch in the house a short walk here and there maybe....but.....I wouldn't go taking them to parks just yet.....wait until their vaccinations are completed. Our vet, and our trainer warned me not to take my male out until he was completely vaccinated against parvo.

Once that's done have fun fun fun with you boys!!! :D :D :D

Terrie
Mom to Payton - 2.5 yr. old rotten-boy