How much exercise does your puppy get?

[Teddyi]

Recently a friend's dog trainer informed me that puppies need "a lot" of exercise and that I should be exercising my puppy far more than I do. I should add that this person has never seen my puppy so he was not commenting on behavior or conditioning. Moreover, he does not acknowledge that any harm can come from over-exercising a young dog.

Although I do not necessarily agree with my friend's trainer, I would like to get some opinions on exercise levels for a 5 month old puppy. It has always been my understanding that exercise for a pup under the age of, say 12 months, should be monitored and limited to activities that do not risk damage to growing bones, growth plates and connective tissue. This would mean no jumping, no forced running/jogging, no stairs. Is this correct?

My general routine with my 5 month old pup has been two 10 minute training sessions, one 10 to 15 minute evening walk, and a couple of chase/fetch the ball play sessions that last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. He has free run of a good sized puppy yard during the day and is in the house with me at night. I don't allow him to go up or down stairs, I do no forced running or jogging, and I do not encourage him to jump. We are just starting to go to a SchH club on Sundays and Thursday nights and on those days I would do my training there and omit the walk. Does this sound about right?

I have raised several dogs prior to this one, but it seems that the more I learn, the more questions I have. :)

Thanks for your input!

[danyp1]

I can not answer you that but I exercise her 30 min (play including training) or 15 min (p+t) + 15 min walk in the morning. Around 10 walk around the neighbourhood or to the park with kids 1-2 hours and at night 20 min walk ending with playtime+training or another activity between 2000-2130

Sat. is puppy class around the same time our noon walk would be.. Sun. I try to go to local parks or hiking or other activities where Sam can join us. Our local ob. club wants the pup to be at least 4 month old so once the puppy class is over I will go there every thursday night.

No running or jogging.. but I let her go up and down the stairs.

I never thought about if I`m doing to much.. I do wonder sometimes if I do enough but I try to stick to this schedule as good as I can.:D

[laurlitt]

You are on the right track. A 5 month old should not have any formal exercise (jogging, running, biking, jumping, etc.) but should moderate their own exercise when playing/running loose in the yard. If they want to keep running around chasing & playing then let them. Walks are good and shouldn't be too long and the amount of time in the training sessions sounds about right! Hope Sch. training is going well... Hope to see you on Sunday.

[Teddyi]

Thanks for your input. I never worried about this with my other puppies, but with Janosch I'm a little more paranoid. He's such a little buffalo sometimes I wonder how many bangs and bruises he has under that fuzzy coat of his. Sometimes when he's playing, he'll thunder around like a maniac. Half the time he makes me laugh so hard I'm almost crying. The other half the time I'm holding my breath or cringing at how wildly he throws his little body around. He's so full of puppy exuberance he makes me smile whenever I see him. :D

Laurlitt - Thanks so much for the feedback. He definitely self-monitors when we play together in the yard. He always lets me know when he's had enough and then we'll retire into the house for more sedate play or just some quiet scritch time. As for SchH, I won't be able to make it tonight (too much work :( ) but barring any unforseen work happening , I'll be there on Sunday! Looking forward to meeting you and your dogs!

Thanks again!

[BostonRott]

As I like high drive puppies.........they tend to be busy (get into everything). Therefore, I play with them / exercise them til they drop. When they get up and are ready for more, off we go.

This may include ball chasing, frisbee chasing, playing tug with me, working on basic obedience, learning agility stuff, or running after the older dogs. We also take leash walks and go for off-leash runs in the woods. By 5-6mos, they can easily go for hour romps through the woods, often with swimming incorporated.

To each his own, judge your puppy by it's weight and condition. :)

[Teddyi]

Thank you BostonRott for your input. I suppose you could classify my pup as a high drive puppy. He certainly is a very busy little guy. He's always into something and seems to have endless energy. :) It's nice to know that you are active with your pups and engage in lots of play. I guess I should just stop worrying so much and just enjoy him. :)

Thanks again!

[SABELLESMOM]

Sure, I agree truly "formal" type exercise shouldn't be pushed. I would certainly lean more towards allowing the pup to guage him/herself.

However, ultimately they are a fairly rugged breed and hold up well to a good hour or so. Tiring a high drive pup thru play is a rewarding means to enjoy them most. Giving their mind a challenge tires them out as well.

I enjoy a more relaxed down time as well, though. The nice long walk thru the woods or by a lake...with perhaps a swim makes for wonderful contented dog and me.