I would like to start taking Delilah for walks and am wondering how far or how long is too far for a 4 month old puppy.
I take Jonah on a 2+ mile walk that lasts about 50 minutes...I know that is too long for her...
Does anyone have some guidelines they follow...i.e. 20 minutes, 30 minutes...
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
I read on the Yahoo and other forums about this, and the concensus seems to be that 10-20 minutes is good, not in the heat of midday, and much preferable to be on turf. Also, folks said to start with going around your block so you don't end up carrying the puppy home, but will be near your house if he poops out.
They also said to watch the puppy for fatigue or slowing, but I understand that you are probably equally concerned about joint stress. I don't have any puppies, but my OA senior does great on the beach (not when the sand is hot) and around the yard for some of his exercise. We also drive to a park (not a dog park, and no one is off-lead) to walk on dirt paths.
In the morning and evening, we walk around the block, then the small dogs are dropped at home and big one continues.
I'm sure that the puppy-savvy folks will have better guidelines.
Jennifer Marshal Webboard User Reg: 08-02-2007
Posts: 1078
Loc: Southern Oregon
Offline
Karla - any chance of letting her walk on grass or ground vs concrete? On concrete I think I'd really limit the walk times to 4-5 minutes in one direction and 4-5 back home with most of the exercise time being in the yard. 100% agree with walks not being in midday and not on hot surfaces, parks are great. Softer surfaces than concrete or gravel is preferable.
For grass/softer surface walks it depends on the pup but I will set my watch or cell phone for 6-8 minutes and walk in one direction until it goes off and then head back home.
when abbi was here, and only weeks old, we would go down the block and back a few times a day. just 5 minutes at a time.
when i got sonny and brooke, they had flat pasterns, and just couldn't walk for long, we went around a whole block(in a square). So how ever long that took.
sonny is 7.5 months now, he can go for a while, but i stop him after an hour( an hour is pushing it for him, especially now that it is hot).
so i am thinking, 30 minutes at the most. Maybe a few 20 minute walks through out the day. You want a tired pup, btu you don't want to force walking on them either.
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
Posts: 4531
Loc: South Dakota, USA
Offline
Karla,
If you have a park near you with sports fields (football, soccer and such) you could walk the puppy on the turf there when it is early morning or late evening.
I would also encourage the pup to walk off of the sidewalk on the grassy areas as much as you can.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Walking a Puppy...
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
