Puppy Excercise Schedule

[ClayBen]

Hi all,

 

I am the owner of a 14week old SBT puppy.

I have been following the routine of 5mins walk per month of age, some short 10min play sessions in backyard 3-4 times a day and then his own free play/exploring when he feels like it.

 

My query is wether this is enough outlet for a SBT puppy - I don't want to over do  - or under do his exercise.

He is barely tired after a 15min walk - and when I roll a ball for him(or play tug toy) - he goes so hard tearing around the yard - just doesn't know how to do it gently!

I don't know wether I should let him play like this as this is the level he chooses - or try and slow him down.

 

It's been 15years since I last had a dog - and in the past knew nothing about puppies having exercise restrictions - we unknowingly walked and played with pups until exhausted.

 

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

Cheers,Ben

[The Spotted Devil]

That level of structured exercise is fine. My Springer pups run themselves ragged but they get to pace themselves. I never, ever throw balls for my pups or adult dogs. They do a LOT of retrieving but it is all very structured and thoughtful. I use proper retrieving dummies and they don't get to retrieve until it's settled on the ground). What you really need to add into your routine is MENTAL stimulation - training for treats, playing tug in a controlled way (i.e. an offered sit to play tug and then "out" when asked), recalls, impulse control etc etc. Your walk should be about socialisation and impulse control and training rather than exercise. I hope that helps!

[ClayBen]

Hi TSD,

 

Thanks for your response. Much appreciated.

 

Can I ask why you do not do ball throwing? Is this because of the sudden stopping and changing of direction?

I am only rolling a large ball along the ground at a slow pace - but he tears along to pick it up regardless. He does the same thing with his toys when he is free-playing.

 

I forgot to mention that we do quite a lot of training + impulse control exercises throughout the day - and when on walk.

Just wanted to make sure that the physical requirements of pup are also being met as most information is pretty vague/conflicting.

 

Cheers,

Ben

 

 

[The Spotted Devil]

There's honestly not that much solid research around - which is why it's so tough to give guidelines. Yes the skidding motion after a moving ball puts a lot of strain on the joints. Self play is fine and if you videoed it, it would probably look different to chasing a moving ball. Nice grippy surfaces, balanced diet, keep pup lean and you'll give him the best chance. I'm not sure how my pups survive to adulthood sometimes! Crazy things!!!

[Roova]

Here's a bit of info about growth plates and when they close in puppies.  It explains why chasing a ball and letting them jump off couches etc can do unseen damage.    Re 5 minutes per month of age rule, I always thought it was twice a day?

 

Growth plate information

 

 

Edited March 9, 2017 by Roova

[ClayBen]

In regards to the 5min walk rule - does that just apply to the actual motion of walking itself, as opposed to a timing on the whole walk?

i.e when we walk, I let him stop and stiff at certain places, so being out for 15mins would maybe only only consist of 50% walking and the rest just sniffing. Therefore we haven't really reached a 15min walk limit?

 

Cheers,

Ben

[Roova]

I think it would be 15 minutes of walking\exercise...

[Blastoise]

I think there's no need for a regular exercise schedual for puppies; just let them play with toys. that's enough exercises.