As a caring and responsible puppy parent, you’re likely eager to ensure your new furry friend gets the right amount and type of exercise for their age and breed. This guide is here to help you understand the puppy walking chart by age and provide you with useful tips on how to keep your puppy safe and healthy.
Understanding the Basics
Walking your puppy, isn’t just about physical exercise – it’s also an essential part of their socialization and mental stimulation. However, it’s crucial to understand that puppies have different exercise needs compared to adult dogs. Their little bodies are still growing, and too much exercise can put undue stress on their joints and bones.
Here’s a basic puppy walking chart by age:
| Puppy Age | Daily Exercise Time |
|---|---|
| 8-10 weeks | 5 minutes |
| 3-4 months | 15 minutes |
| 5-6 months | 25-30 minutes |
| 7-9 months | 30-45 minutes |
| 10-12 months | 45-60 minutes |
This chart is a general guide and may vary depending on your puppy’s breed, size, and health.
Walking Your 8-10 Weeks Old Puppy
At this age, your puppy is still very young and has likely just left their mother and siblings. They’re just starting to explore the world, and everything is new and exciting.
- Limit walks to 5 minutes per day.
- Make walking a positive and fun experience.
- Allow plenty of time for sniffing and exploring.
- Gradually introduce them to new experiences like other dogs, cars, and people.
Walking Your 3-4 Months Old Puppy
Your puppy is now a little older and ready for slightly longer walks.
- Aim for 15 minutes of walking per day.
- Start to introduce training into your walks.
- Continue to expose them to new experiences.
Walking Your 5-6 Months Old Puppy
Your puppy is now entering adolescence and will have plenty of energy to burn.
- Increase walk time to 25-30 minutes per day.
- Incorporate more training and socialization into your walks.
- Allow them to play and interact with other dogs.
Walking Your 7-9 Months Old Puppy
By this age, your puppy will be more energetic and will benefit from longer walks.
- Aim for 30-45 minutes of walking per day.
- Incorporate playtime and training into your walks to keep them mentally stimulated.
Walking Your 10-12 Months Old Puppy
Your puppy is now almost an adult dog and should be able to handle adult-level exercise.
- Increase walk time to 45-60 minutes per day.
- Introduce more challenging activities like fetch or agility.
Tips For Safe Puppy Walking
Regardless of your puppy’s age, safety should always be your top priority.
- Avoid walking in extreme weather conditions.
- Always keep your puppy on a leash.
- Stick to quiet, safe areas for your walks.
- Avoid intense activity like jumping or running until your puppy is fully grown.
- Always bring water for both you and your puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I walk my puppy before they’re fully vaccinated?
A: It’s best to wait until your puppy has had all their vaccinations before taking them out in public spaces. However, you can start training and socializing them at home.
Q: What if my puppy doesn’t want to walk?
A: Your puppy might be scared or unsure. Make walks a positive experience by encouraging them with treats and praise. If they’re still reluctant, it might be best to consult with a vet or professional trainer.
Q: How hard can I exercise my puppy?
A: Avoid intense activities like running or jumping until your puppy is fully grown. Over-exercising can cause damage to their growing bodies.
Remember, every puppy is unique. Use this chart as a guide, but always listen to your puppy and adjust accordingly. Happy walking!
