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Exercise for puppies?

QUESTION:

I know jogging isn't a good idea - what exercises are appropriate for my pup until she's full grown?

answered by David Smith

ANSWER:

It's not that jogging is a bad idea; it is just too easily overdone. If you keep everything in moderation and use good sense you should be ok. Small dogs should not be asked to run with an adult for extended distances, and neither should small puppies. We worry that soft developing bones and joints may be traumatized or chronically injured with excessive exercise.

If your puppy is a normal healthy puppy and you find that he is trailing behind you during your exercise periods, then it is too much. If later that day (or the next) the pup is too tired to do normal activities you have done too much.

As far are additional exercises are concerned, start with basic obedience. I would work on sit, down, stay, and recall exercises. Retrieving games are good fun and exercise at the same time. Walking or intermittent walks with short runs (interval training) may be a good combination that will work for many ages.

Have fun, and if there are any questions regarding health and exercise, your veterinarian is a good source of additional information.


David Smith is the Director of Veterinary Services for Leader Dogs for the Blind .

Read more about David Smith in the DogTime expert center...

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Comments

AvatarDaisy(toy poodle) is 7 wk old. She is so hyper doing her play time i started taking her with me on my run. I would run and walk combo. When i speed walk i pick her up. She still gets hyper towards the afternoon. I would take her out in the yard also. I would get a exercise chasing her after 20min. Now she would look as she has to elimnate so i take her out and she's gone running into bushes and under tree where i can get her. Any suggestion?” — Ranjan, May 01 2009

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