If you’ve recently added a puppy to your family, you’re probably wondering how much exercise they need.
It’s important to get the balance right when it comes to exercise; too much and you risk injury, but not enough and your pup will be bored and frustrated. So how do you know how much is enough?
Read on for a guide on exercise requirements for puppies!
Age-Appropriate Exercise
Puppies are growing and developing at an incredible pace, so it’s important to make sure that the exercises they do are age-appropriate. For puppies younger than eight months old, try to keep their walks around 10 minutes per month of age.
For example, if your puppy is four months old, it should have no more than 40 minutes of walking time per day. This helps ensure that their bones and muscles develop properly without overworking them.
Breed-Specific Requirements
Different breeds have different needs when it comes to exercise; a Labrador Retriever needs far more exercise than a Pug would!
Do some research into your pup’s breed so you can tailor their exercise routine accordingly; if in doubt, always err on the side of caution and start with shorter walks or playtime sessions.
Remember that larger dogs may take longer to tire out than smaller pups – but also watch out for signs of exhaustion such as heavy panting or slowed movement.
Mental Stimulation
Exercise isn’t just about physical activity; your pup needs mental stimulation too! In addition to regular walks and playtime, teach them commands and tricks – this will help strengthen the bond between you two while helping them stay focused and active mentally.
Interactive toys such as food puzzles can also be great for keeping them entertained; these will provide hours of fun (and tucker!) while giving them something productive to focus their energy on.
Conclusion
Taking care of a puppy requires a lot of work – but getting the right amount of exercise doesn’t have to be stressful!
By tailoring their activities according to age, breed, and personality type, you can create a fun routine that keeps them healthy while encouraging good behavior through mental stimulation.
With some patience (and lots of treats!), soon enough your pup will look forward to each new day filled with delicious snacks, exciting adventures, and plenty of cuddles!
