How To Make Sure Your Puppy Has Enough Exercise
Puppies make great pets for most families but their high activity levels may be a bit surprising to some. They need exercise to stay in shape; a 30 to 60 minute walk every day is enough to keep them healthy and fit.
Most of us have busy schedules, however, and it can be hard to find the time to walk a puppy for that long every day. You can still make sure your puppy gets enough exercise by giving him enough room in your yard to run around and play. If space is an issue, you can walk him in the local park or at the high school track.
You can actually train your puppy to run on a treadmill with you so that you both get the exercise you need at the same time. This will also help you form a bond with the puppy.
Every dog has different exercise needs, so think about your dog’s activity level and create a plan that works for both of you. Young puppies typically want to run while older dogs are sometimes fine with just taking a walk. When taking a puppy out for some exercise, start with 15 minute sessions and then increase the time as he grows and is able to play for longer.
Some people like to walk their dogs at night. If you find this convenient, be sure to wear reflective clothing so that drivers can see you. Additionally, wearing bright clothes makes you more visible.
Try to take your puppy out for exercise either right before or right after he eats, as this is the best time to walk them. Give him small amounts of water so that he doesn’t drink too much and get an upset stomach.
When you’re finished walking the puppy, check his paws for any foreign objects that may have become stuck in them. Burrs, rocks, glass, and ice can all become stuck and cause the puppy pain, and you should remove them quickly.
An easy way to give your dog some great exercise is to teach him to play fetch. Start by rolling a toy near the puppy, and rewarding him when he returns the toy. As the dog gets older, you can throw the toy longer distances, but remember to continue giving the dog positive reinforcement when he brings the toy back.
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