I have some questions on the amount of normal exercise to let my 9 week old GSD puppy get. Is chasing a ball in the house ok, is it ok that she goes up and down the stairs to go outside and go to her kennel? What is the right type of exercise for her?
I allowed my puppies to have all the free exercise they wanted, and then I allowed them to sleep/rest when they were tired.
They had frequent, but short, play/running sessions in the yard. Long lines will ensure they stay out of what they are supposed to stay out of, but give them enough freedom to dash around. Also, socializing trips, even if he is being carried, will tire him out, as will training sessions.
A puppy should NOT be forcibly exercised (I.e. leash walked long distances, jogged with, or playing fetch with a ball for too long - some dogs don't know when to stop). In other words, exercise where the dog does not have the option to or does not want to quit when they should.
Stairs are fine. Jumping over objects (such as agility training or into the car) needs to wait until older.
Thanks for your help, I just get so many conflicting answers it makes you question what is the right thing to do. One other questions is what should I allow her to chew on? Right now I have a couple of puppy toys that say they are for chewing but and a tug rope that you buy at the pet stores, which is her favorite, but the people at my Schutzhund club say it is to hard. Will this damage her teeth?
I seriously doubt that a rope toy would be too hard for her teeth. My pup has a variety of toys ranging including hard plastic-ish balls , fleece and rope bone-like toys, rubber toys from the 'Cuz lines , and lots of soft/used to be stuffed toys.
He is a crack up to watch jumping from one toy to the next for HOURS and then crashing. I pick up the toys after each play time and rotate every other day for variety.
For our fun training play I use a cheap (but real) chamois from WallyWorld for tug games and old fun tugs that are left over from older dogs. I also let pups play with tennis balls prior to teething. Nothing is cuter than a 9 week old with a big old tennis ball in the mouth!
ETA: I do compete in Schutzhund and the pup mentioned is my next prospect.
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
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As long as the puppies are moving on their own steam (not being dragged or forced) I say let them go until they decide to stop.
I doubt if a rope is too hard. My puppies all enjoyed ropes, as well as fleece toys (don't expect them to last), rubber "Cuz" toys, knotted rags, frozen carrots, ice cubes, plastic soda bottles.
I'm of the opinion that NO toy should be left with a puppy unsupervised. Unless it's something like a Kong that cannot be destroyed (those are fine crate diversions.) Otherwise, toys are for playing with ME, and then I pick up the toys and put them away.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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For just chewing I give my pup bully sticks and kong bones frozen with the ends full of either peanut butter,pumpkin, or peanut butter with kibble. A nine week old rottie with a tennis ball, I'll bet that would be a cute PICTURE.
Thanks to everyone with the information. I never worried about such things with my first two GSD's, I lost one 2 years ago to breast cancer she was 10 yrs., and my oldest is going to be 14 yrs. old this month. Thanks again!!
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Exercise for young GSD puppies
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