Exercise for a 6 month old

[Shiba]

How much exercise do you think that a 6 month old needs? We've been going for one walk a day for about 20 mins. and then we go to the park where she gets to run around for 10 mins.

We've had to spend a lot of time indoors because of her eye injury. Does anyone know of any good bonding games to play with her?

I have been able to get her to fetch but when she brings the toy back she doesn't give it up. She holds it in her mouth and repeatedly bangs the toy against me. When I grab a hold of the toy she begins to growl and pull at it---like tug of war or something!

[Ayoka]

Originally Posted by Shiba

I have been able to get her to fetch but when she brings the toy back she doesn't give it up. She holds it in her mouth and repeatedly bangs the toy against me. When I grab a hold of the toy she begins to growl and pull at it---like tug of war or something!

Bear still does this from time to time (at almost 13 months) but we're working on it...especially for flyball!!!!

We've played fetch with 2 toys....when he comes near me with the first, I throw the second...he can't carry two balls in his mouth at the same time!!!!

From that we've moved on to getting a treat when he comes back, same idea applies...can't eat with a ball in your mouth. However we've learned that he can BARK with a ball in his mouth, I don't know how it's possible..

Now 80% of the time he'll bring back the ball and drop it...I consider this a huge sucess considering the first time I took him out and couldn't get the ball back for a good 30 minutes!!!

What about getting a tug topy for her is she like tug of war. I'm not sure about when this is appropriate..as puppies can have tender teeth that can fall out if you play tug too hard with them too young but I'm sure someoene else on here can speak to that.

[Shiba]

I don't know if I like playing tug of war with her because I've read that it may add to aggression. I don't let her win but I think as she gets bigger and stronger I may just have to let her win!

I do try to entice her with treats and she will drop the ball then but whenever we play without food she doesn't let the ball go!

[Tugboat's Mom]

Hi!

Though I can't offer too much advice on a proper exercise regime, I can offer support with teaching pups to "release" their beloved toys during playtime. My Tug is 3.5months and we use the "take it," "thank you" method. Wiggle the toy, say "take it" and let the pup grab on. Praise, and allow him to play while you hold the toy too. After a moment, say "thank you" and offer a treat with your other hand, holding it far enough off to the side that your pup must let go of the toy to get the treat. As soon as he eats the treat, offer the toy again, saying "take it." Praise and play, then say "thank you" and trade for another treat. I did this over and again until Tug quickly released on "thank you." Than we tried without treat trading...now he gets praise, and seems just as pleased with this reward. It REALLY helped when playing fetch! I hope this is helpful! :)

[Shiba]

Thank you. We'll give it a try!