Exercise And Puppies

[quintessence]

I have posted this on showing because I'm not too sure if the same rules apply to racing puppies. My question is how much exercise and what type do people allow their puppies. I'm really following on from another thread when someone was discussing lead training. Would most people consider playing in the garden adequate whilest still very much a baby and when do they progress to taking them out on the lead. Our garden is full of planter walls, patios, etc and has only enough grass to swing a golf club in. I wonder if Sparky will need to stretch his legs a bit more soon and have a bit more room to race around in. He does very well running in and out and around all the chicanes we seem to have but when I see the pictures of puppies obviously enjoying themselves in larger areas I wondered what other people do.

I suppose we could move house !!!!

Jenny

 

[Joanna]

I have posted this on showing because I'm not too sure if the same rules apply to racing puppies.  My question is how much exercise and what type do people allow their puppies.  I'm really following on from another thread when someone was discussing lead training.  Would most people consider playing in the garden adequate whilest still very much a baby and when do they progress to taking them out on the lead.  Our garden is full of planter walls, patios, etc and has only enough grass to swing a golf club in.  I wonder if Sparky will need to stretch his legs a bit more soon and have a bit more room to race around in.  He does very well running in and out and around all the chicanes we seem to have but when I see the pictures of puppies obviously enjoying themselves in larger areas I wondered what other people do.
I suppose we could move house !!!!

Jenny

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Hi Jenny,

It is not recommended to give a young puppy too much excercise before about 6 months because the bones are still growing and developing. Saying that, I would certainly take Sparky out to socialise and learn to walk on the lead. I think long hikes are to be avoided whjen young. I will certainly be taking Fynn out for a 20 minute trot on the common this week, and he will also be let off the lead in a safe playing field to teach recall. You must go out, it is part of the joy of owning a dog :thumbsup:

 

[Janimal]

Yes short walks Id say too - Oscar didnt get off his leash till about 4-5 months so I wouldnt worry as long as hes getting plenty of fresh air and Im sure he will excercise in the house too - if hes a PROPER WHIPPET. :lol:

must add hes a pet though - I dont show him.

 

[margemac]

Hi there

This is my first time to reply on K9. I would like to know others opinions on this. Just into Showing whippets in the last 18 months.

How long do you allow free running at Puppy stage until 2 years of age?

What free running and exercise do adults need? Some say to road walk and some don't.

margemac

 

[dessie]

I don't think it matters whether your Whippet is for show, racing or just a pet (I show mine but they are pets 6 days of the week and a show dog on the 7th only!!) I advise all my puppy purchasers the same thing. If you have a big garden that is more than enough but it is important to socialise the puppy. 'Proper' exercise starts at about 5 months old but they are not allowed to run hard or be bowled over by the others so I select which others they go out with. Puppies would normally go out with the 'old and infirm' rather than the 'young and fit' category!! I would then select which route I go so as they only have open fields for running in for about 10 - 15 minutes although they will probably go out for about 30 - 45 minutes in total. Once they are about a year old they will go out as normal with the others but, although I do change the groupings around, I am still careful how they are matched up.

What is also important is to get the food/exercise ratio right. You do not want puppies running until they are exhausted and then missing meals because they are tired and asleep so be careful WHEN you exercise as well.

 

[JAX]

I agree with everything Dessie has said (w00t) :lol: :huggles:

 

[alfyn]

So do i :thumbsup:

 

[quintessence]

As the three great sages of K9 agree, then I'm going to follow your advice to the letter. :cheers:

Jenny

 

[Joanna]

I have taken Fynn out every-day this week, but as the others have said, it is a short walk, and he hasn't been tearing around. Fynn has met loads of other dogs and his confidence is growing, he hasn't been on the lead much, he is glued to my leg any-way. He is following Archie's lead but Dessie, you are so right about being bowled over.....That is my main concern, and I have to keep a close eye. Today, Archie managed to tumble little Fynn down a steep bank by being A THUG. Luckily no harm done, but watch out for bigger boys (w00t)

 

[alfyn]

As the three great sages of K9 agree, then I'm going to follow your advice to the letter. :cheers:
Jenny

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Glad you didn't say the three stooges! (w00t) (w00t) (w00t)

 

[dessie]

As the three great sages of K9 agree, then I'm going to follow your advice to the letter. :cheers:
Jenny

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[SIZE=21pt]LOL!!![/SIZE]

Please ensure it is to the letter!!!