Lurcher puppy exercise

[Laurab1984]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some advice on exercising our new puppy; he is a lurcher about 4 months old and growing very quickly. I've had lots of conflicting advice regarding how often I need to walk him and for how long, so I was hoping somebody on here could help me out.

We've had Charlie for just over a month now and he's an absolute star, but I'm worried that he may be doing too much too soon. We've only been walking him regularly for about two weeks as he took a little while to get used to the lead but does enjoy going outside. He has at least one 20 minute walk every day but I have taken him out with my older dog a few times this weeks and he's had a good hour or so out every time. Our other dog is a 3 year old female staffy and so needs these long walks to burn off her energy. Our puppy does have a short time off the lead during these long walks, but he tends to just chase after our other dog. I always call him back before I bring her to lead so he doesn't tire himself out. He seems happy enough on these long walks and shows no signs of tiring, but I don't want him to have any health problems later on in life. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance

 

[lurcherman]

I'm surprised nobody has replied to you, well amount of exercise does depend on the dog itself but with me I didn't over do it until the 9 month mark as the bones need to grow strong, I did give my brindle a big walk at 6 months and he wasn't ready so be careful, a couple of twenty mins and a few smaller ones will do fine but you may get different advise from others, iny view too people over walk to early

 

[gypsysmum]

Your puppy needs socialisation and new experiences more than it needs exercise. Your vet is the best person to ask as all breeds are different. Heavier breeds have to be very careful for instance. The growth plates are still closing and need strong muscles and ligaments to support them. Mostly these can develop during playing and on short exercise expeditions.

I would do trips into towns and other places of interest. Sit outside cafe's and on park benches so that puppy gets lots of exposure to different dogs and all kinds of people.

If you want a tired pup then training is very tiring for them! Puppy classes run by a member of the APDT would be the best.

 

[lurcherman]

A busy car boot is ideal