Amount of exercise for an 8 month old

[sampson4]

Could anyone please tell me the proper amount of time I should be out exercising my dog? I don't want to over do it with him. He has just turned 8 months old and I currently walk him about 40 minutes a day broken into either 10 or 20 minute segments.

Thank you!

[Behzy]

My pup just turned 9 months and I walk and run her for almost 2 hrs a day. I think she would stay out even longer if possible. I think it really depends on the dog.

[Shelby427]

Originally Posted by Behzy

My pup just turned 9 months and I walk and run her for almost 2 hrs a day. I think she would stay out even longer if possible. I think it really depends on the dog.

you shouldn't be running a 9 month old puppy. Growth plates have not yet fully developed and you can cause some issues by running her. Forced running shouldn't be happening until 18 months. Walks are good, playing fetch in the yard is good, swimming is good.

[Behzy]

When I say "run" it usually means we go outside in a fenced backyard and play fetch with a tennis ball or chase. Is this still bad? She loves doing this. I really dont think i am "forcing" her to run around. I also take her to the dog park and she chases and runs around the park with other dogs.

[sampson4]

We also like to do about 30 minutes a day where its basically "think" time, socializing by standing outside of a store doing meet and greets with passerbys, just going to different surroundings for a sit and watch the world session. Last night we stood outside a grocery store and the cart boy pushed about a dozen carts past us, he didn't even flinch at the noise. He loves watching leaves blow by and pigeons too.

[Calin]

Originally Posted by Behzy

When I say "run" it usually means we go outside in a fenced backyard and play fetch with a tennis ball or chase. Is this still bad? She loves doing this. I really dont think i am "forcing" her to run around. I also take her to the dog park and she chases and runs around the park with other dogs.

I don't know. I exercise my 6 month old pup for about an hour and a half every day. But none of it is 'forced.' Basically, I take her somewhere to play, watch her carefully, and when she starts slowing down, I end the game.

A lot of people seem like they exercise their puppies a lot less than I do. However, I have noticed that if anything, I have to 'force' her to NOT exercise. And when I do that, she gets bored and destructive. If she gets a good amount of playtime in, on the other hand, she is a perfect angel. Like I said before, the amount of playtime is really up to her, though. It's not like I'm putting her on a treadmill or anything. It's playing in the yard or hiking in the woods or chilling on the beach....stuff like that. I figure we either play outside or she can run through my house non stop while she wrecks things.

You sound like you're a lot like me. Maybe you and I just have pups with abnormally large amounts on energy?

[Behzy]

I have to agree. If my pup is not exercised or tired she will come inside the house and destroy, chew, knock over everything in sight. But as you said if she is properly exercised she will come home and is the best dog a person can ask for.. Walking is not enough for her. She needs to play fetch or chase in order to get all her energy out.

I wonder how its going to be when it starts snowing. Do Rotts handle the cold well??

[Gunsey'sMom]

Gunner was/is alot like that LOADS of energy.

At 8 months we actually didnt walk- but its because we dont have a walking area we we are. We played ALOT of fetch and ran around alot in the yard. We would do this for anywhere from 1-3 hours depending on how much time I had on my hands- but at least an good solid hour of non stop. I would stop right before I thought he was getting "bored" or distracted- to keep it fun for next time.

You dog might be different- more or less energy. Make sure you are providing plenty of water during exercise and watching your dog carefully. When mine gets a tongue thats about to touch the ground- but still wants to play- I will tell him to get a quick "drinky" even if its a little lick.

Along with this all out zoomie type playtime, you can incorporate training execises fairly easily- sit before you throw the ball, a sit or leave it on return, tug with an out- and other fun creative stuff that is ultimately rewardig and stimulating to your dog. As he/she gets better and gives a solid preformance in one area- up the ante a level.

You can wear them out by doing short training practices as well- cut up some hotdog- and get ready to reward for desired results. Sits, downs, short stays, ect. At eight months you can try a short session at the beginning of your playtime- and the end if they are wound down. This will mentally exercise them. Keep it simple and end before their attention span does. Always end on a good note- something that they accomplished well.