{"id":4163,"date":"2018-08-13T16:45:41","date_gmt":"2018-08-13T15:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=4163"},"modified":"2022-03-30T11:56:17","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T10:56:17","slug":"how-much-exercise-for-a-puppy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/how-much-exercise-for-a-puppy\/","title":{"rendered":"How much exercise do puppies need?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve bought a lead. You\u2019ve stocked up on <\/span>poo bags<\/span>. You and your puppy are ready to go. Exercise is an important part of your <\/span>energetic puppy\u2019s<\/span> routine, but too much can increase their chances of suffering from issues like joint pain later in life. So what\u2019s the right amount? Head Vet Sean is here with his top tips.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finding the right balance<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Puppies are naturally energetic. But growing takes lots of energy too, so it\u2019s important your puppy doesn\u2019t use up all their va-va-voom in the park. A good rule of thumb for puppy owners in terms of how much exercise the dog should get (especially those under 14 weeks) is 1 minute of active exercise per week of life up to three times a day. So at 8 weeks, 8 minutes of exercise, three times throughout the day. A 3 month old (12 weeks) would have 12 minutes at a time, three times over the day and so on. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To strike the right balance, watch your puppy\u2019s behaviour. When they start to look tired, it\u2019s time to rest.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more:<\/b> Mental & physical exercise for your dog<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What kind of exercise is best for my puppy?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exercise isn\u2019t just about keeping your puppy active; it\u2019s also a chance to socialise with other people and dogs. Getting out and about lets your puppy experience new sights, sounds and smells \u2013 all great for their mental development. Just make sure your puppy\u2019s vaccinations are up to date before you start exploring. Vaccination schedules vary, so always ask your vet when it\u2019s OK for you and your puppy to hit the park. It\u2019s likely to be somewhere around the 11-week mark.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I avoid over-exercising my puppy?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An <\/span>active puppy<\/span> is generally a happy puppy, but over-exercising your dog when they\u2019re young can lead to mobility problems later. Follow these tips and give your puppy the best possible start.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n