Exercising your puppy safely
It can be tricky to know exactly how much exercise your puppy needs. You'll find that advice varies, and it can be hard to navigate the information out there. Recommendations have changed over time and depend on your puppy's individual needs, the type of activity, and the intensity. We've put together some guidelines to help you support your growing puppy.
Walkies
The old "5-minute rule" suggested gradually increasing walks for your puppy. However, this hasn't been backed by research. Studies show that dogs with less muscle mass are at a higher risk of hip dysplasia. Conversely, research indicates that puppies and young dogs allowed to move freely during their development are less likely to be affected. This suggests that freedom of movement and appropriate exercise lay the foundations for a healthier life.
Let your puppy explore freely on varied, soft surfaces. Avoid letting them run on slippery floors or hard ground, but encourage free movement outdoors, ideally on uneven terrain. It's important to gradually increase exercise to slowly build your puppy's fitness and muscles. Adapt the pace to your puppy and take breaks to gauge their daily energy levels.
The myth about stairs
The same study found that puppies who climbed stairs daily before they were 3 months old had a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia. Previously, it was often advised not to let puppies climb stairs at all during their first year. However, this is hotly debated, and many experts now debunk this myth. Once your puppy can manage stairs independently, you can allow them, in moderation, to explore them to prepare them for adult life.
Preparing for adult life
Help your puppy get ready for life as an adult dog. In small doses, you can introduce them to the kind of movement and activity they'll experience later. Basic exercises that prepare the body without overexerting it are both fun and strengthen your bond. For most activities, forest walks are a great recommendation. The varied terrain in the woods, with logs and rocks, is excellent for building your puppy's muscles and fitness.
Get to know your puppy
Puppies are individuals and show tiredness in different ways. However, some general signals suggest your puppy needs a rest. They might start walking more slowly, sit down, or struggle with movements they could previously manage. This is when it's time for a break or to head inside for some rest. Many puppies can also become over-tired and keep going without showing obvious signs of fatigue. This puts them at a higher risk of injury, so it's crucial to understand your puppy and their signals.
