Puppies are SO MUCH FUN, but they are also a LOT of work, so congrats if you just got one!
You have a lot on your plate between potty training, socialization activities, and obedience drills. Spending too much time exercising your new dog is one thing you won’t need to do.
Puppy don’t need excessive amounts of exercise yet, but they do need their daily dose. Most puppies should, in general, be walked for five minutes for every month of age.
Accordingly, a 12-week-old puppy needs to be walked for about 15 minutes twice daily, while an eight-week-old puppy only requires about 10 minutes once or twice a day.
Puppy walks should be shorter and more frequent as they are still developing and growing.
At eight weeks old, young puppies still have developing joints and cartilage that can break easily and pose a health risk in the future.
This article will discuss how much exercise young puppies require and what to watch out for when taking your puppy outside.
Your puppy’s immune system is still developing. They are extremely susceptible to serious illnesses like parvovirus and distemper between the time they are weaned and separate from their mothers, when they no longer have the antibodies from her milk, and when they are fully immunized.
Bring them out for a walk two weeks after their final round of shots, especially if there’s a chance you might encounter another dog.
One of the most crucial things you can do to protect your dog’s health is to vaccinate them. The importance of vaccinations in preventing dangerous and occasionally fatal diseases and maintaining your furry friend’s health cannot be overstated.
Unfortunately, there are still plenty of vaccine myths and misconceptions that can influence people’s choices and endanger their dogs. For instance, some people think that vaccinating their dogs is not necessary if they never go outside or only take them for park walks.
However, exposure to diseases from other animals or contaminated surfaces can occur in indoor dogs as well.
Additionally, since viruses can spread through the air, even a brief stroll in the park could expose your dog to a fatal illness.
How Much Time Can My 12 Weeks Old Puppy Walk?
A 12 week old puppy can typically walk for up to 15 minutes.
You may have heard the general rule of thumb for puppies, which is to walk for five minutes for each month. 12 weeks are almost 3 months. So it’s around 15 minutes.
Theoretically, your puppy should be able to walk for 15 minutes. However, it varies from puppy to puppy. When walking, you should watch your child’s energy level.
It’s time to return home if you see that he is not having fun.
Puppy walking is entirely dependent on the puppy, unlike walking an adult dog.
How Often Should I Walk My 12 Weeks Puppy?
The same general rule (which is NOT science) states that you can take your puppy for two daily walks. Two 15-minute walks.
This would make a 30 minutes a day walking. Ideally, one would be early in the day, and the other would be late.
Should I Leash-Train My Puppy First?
Yes. Leash-train your puppy so that you both can enjoy daily walks without interruption.
Although ten weeks old is the ideal age, you should begin leash training your puppy as soon as possible.
Leash training is crucial because it helps prevent numerous canine behavioral issues. It aids in housebreaking, outdoor exercise, and training.
Check out what age to start leash-training your puppy now.
FAQ
How long can I walk my 12 week old puppy?
Once your puppy has received all of its vaccinations, the general rule of thumb is to walk them for five minutes per month of age; for example, if your fluffy bundle is 12 weeks old, you can walk them for 15 minutes each day.
How much exercise does a 12 week old puppy need?
As a general rule, puppies should be given one to two sessions of five minutes of walking for every month of their age. For instance, a four-month-old puppy could take 20-minute walks once or twice a day.
Can you walk a puppy too much?
Overexertion and excessive high-impact exercise put puppies at risk for joint and bone damage, which can result in conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia. However, severely restricting your puppy’s exercise could result in boredom, frustration, and behavioral issues.
How far should a puppy walk at 13 weeks?
Your puppy’s age Very young puppies don’t have much endurance. They shouldn’t be walked too far. A puppy can walk for five minutes for every month they are, starting at the age of eight weeks.