Bringing up Puppy
Exercise

border collie Deborah as a young puppy
Young puppies should not be over exercised


Dogs and Puppies need exercise if they are to grow and remain strong and healthy and lead a long and active life.

In puppies bones are very soft and easily damaged, it is imperative that puppies are allowed to develop their full physical potential unhindered by a punishing regime of exercise.

Over exercising a puppy will lead at best to an unattractive leggy appearance where the adult may have long spindly legs and poor bone and at worst can lead to a crippled dog with poor hips, shoulders and elbows.

If you plan to train your puppy for Sheep Work, Gun dog Tests, Working Trials, Agility, or Fly Ball you should not begin training for the physical aspects of these disciplines until your puppy is at least 16 months and preferably 18 months old. An injury suffered at a young age may trouble a dog for the rest of its life.

Generally until your puppy is 8 months old he will need no exercise other than lots of fun and play with you in the back garden, you should spend these months socialising your puppy rather than walking him. Of course you will need to walk him around to socialise him and may drive him to an open space to run around and play with other friendly dogs but there should be no route marches or pavement slogging during this time. Once your puppy is 8 months to a year old he can begin gentle walks building up gradually to adult proportions. Restraint at this time will help shape a dog that will be active and fit long into old age.

Whether you intend your puppy to be a companion or want to work him at Sheep Work, Gun dog Tests, Working Trials, Agility, or Fly Ball later on, the first priority is always training and control so you will have a busy first year with your puppy before even thinking about going for long walks.

Once your puppy has grown into a healthy adult a good quality diet, lots of healthy exercise will be essential but one 2 mile walk each day is far better than one 14 mile walk once a week. Remember that off the lead, your dog will cover at least three times the distance you walk.

As your dog comes to expect and look forward to his daily walk you must be consistent and not disappoint him just because it is raining or you are too tired.


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