Puppies and Exercise

Puppies love to play, run, and jump around. However, maybe they also need some physical activity that’s a little more “formal” without being less fun. Exercise is really important for puppies and should never miss out on doing them. Find out more by reading this article.

Puppies and Exercise: Recommendations

Before you take on an exercise routine with your dog, it’s a good idea to think about his needs and abilities. Puppies may be agile, full of energy, and love playing, but they also need to sleep to recover their energy.

1. Don’t Do Too Much Exercise

Sure, puppies seem to have “everlasting batteries” but resting also helps them grow healthy and strong. Remember that the bigger your dog is, the more likely they develop certain future problems with their bones and joints. A good way to avoid this is by doing certain activities and respecting his sleep pattern.

2. Start by taking steps

There’s no doubt that dogs often overexert themselves, which can lead to injury or over-tiredness. Therefore, you should increase the intensity of their exercise gradually and pay close attention to their body language. If they’re panting a lot, won’t retrieve a ball, sit, or lie down, they’re probably tired.

3. Adapt To The Breed

A Golden Retriever puppy is not the same as a Basset Hound, a Boxer, or a Cocker Spaniel. Each breed has their own physical traits which mean there are some exercises they are able to do and others they can’t. For example, dogs with short snouts or brachycephalic dogs are more likely to tire sooner because they can’t breathe properly.

On the other hand, more athletic dogs — such as Greyhounds, Dalmatians, and German Shepherds — need more exercise than other dogs like Labradors.

4. Get Your Dog Trained

Though you might not believe it, taking your dog to a training school is an excellent form of exercise and it’s good for his mental health too. An obedient dog will be less stressful, know his limits, and have a better quality of life.

5. Take Your Dog Out For Walks

If you haven’t got that much time to exercise with your dog, then you can take him for a walk! It’s the best activity you can do together because it’s healthy for the both of you. Begin by walking in the morning, and add a few more minutes or blocks as the both of you get used to it.

Don’t forget to teach him how to walk on a leash and stay close to you. Try to stop him from pulling on the leash whenever they see something that grabs his attention and let him play freely in safe open areas like the park.

6. Stick To A Routine

Animals need to maintain a routine to be relaxed and obedient, whether it being dinner time or the time they go for a walk. This is no different with exercise. Puppies are more active in the morning, so make the most of this energy and have them play more. But make sure you always have them exercise before they eat.

If for some reason you can’t stick to a routine, then at least entertain them for a little bit. Just a few minutes will be enough for them to spend a little energy to prevent them from destroying the house when you´re not home.

Games and Exercises for Puppies

Do you know how to play and exercise with your puppy? There are many different activities for them to enjoy at all times of day, whether being inside or outside the house. The exercises help your puppy develop his concentration, obedience, intelligence, hearing, and sense of smell. Take a look at some examples below:

1. Hide and Seek

Take an object or a toy that they like and hide it in order to make your dog find it. If he does well, reward him with a treat, pet him, or give him some affection.

2. Shake hands

This is a really common trick that’s great for making your dog become more obedient and ensuring that he will pay attention to your commands. The best moment to teach him this trick is as a puppy.

3. Shell Game

This game involves placing three bowls or cups upside down on the ground. Then place a piece of food under one of them. The others should remain empty. Your puppy will use his sense of smell to find the food.

4. Obstacle Course

For this exercise, you’ll need a bit of space, such as a garden. In many pet shops, you can buy complete kits of obstacles or you can make them yourself: tunnels, jumps, avoiding obstacles, and zig zags. There are so many to choose from!