How soon can I walk my pup?

TigerTim

Hi All,

I got a lovely Rough collie pup about 2 months ago. She's now 4 months & I am wondering if its too soon to give her decent walks. The breeder said not to walk him much until she's 6 months. The vet said a 10 to 15 minute easy walk morning & evening is OK. She does plenty of running around the garden, should I leave taking her on proper walks for another few months.

Any ideas,

T.

star-pants

Well pups are still growing very much at that age, so long walks aren't good for their joints. I'd wait another while before longer walks.

paultf

I learned from another forum that the general rule with pups and exercise is 5 minutes per month. So 20 minutes in total per day for you at the moment. Maybe 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon.

Something to do with bone development if you exercise your pup too much too soon.

Top Dog

5 mins per month is the guideline for young dogs alright. Any more and you run the risk of damaging joints and future bone development issues.

00112984

Also, don't forget he shouldn't be taken out until all his vaccinations are up-to-date!

TigerTim

Thanks for the replies. Much as I want to walk her, I'll hold off till after 6 months.

All vacs are up to date.

Thanks,

T.

Top Dog

TigerTim wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Much as I want to walk her, I'll hold off till after 6 months.

Confused by your post Tim so just a quick question - you mean you'll hold off for the more rigorous walks don't you? You're not saying that you won't walk the dog at all?

pitbull_fanatic

i was told not to give a dog a good walk until they were a year old??!! only short walks and playing. its unpractical though coz my fellas dont stop goin all day only to eat and sleep but back out running round and play fighting again for another couple hours in the garden!!

Sigma Force

I think the 5 minute per month is a good guide, at 4 months your pup is still probably picking up everything in it's mouth and trying to eat it (mine is) so short strolls for 20 minutes a day won't do any harm the pup will more likely be bouncing around and take an age to get from a to b at that age anyway it's important the pup does get out and about now though to get more socialised with people and other dogs and get used to all the sights and sounds. As the pup gets older just increase the lenght of the walk by, as mentioned, 5 minutes until you feel the pup is able for longer walks.

After spaying/neutering usually at around 6 months I always walked any previous pup for good walks after that age never did them any harm to have a good walk ok not for miles and miles and a lot involved being let off lead to play with other dogs in fields. Never any problem with joints etc. Obviously puppys paws are very soft and too long a walk can make their paws sore at first. A walk combining concrete and grass is good, the grass is a cushion and soft underfoot.

pitbull_fanatic

if i take them to park i'm out for about hour n half with them off lead as you say. i cant see that being bad for them even though as soon as we get into the car they are delighted with themselves and i'v a peacefull journey home while they sleep!

Top Dog

pitbull_fanatic wrote: »

if i take them to park i'm out for about hour n half with them off lead as you say. i cant see that being bad for them even though as soon as we get into the car they are delighted with themselves and i'v a peacefull journey home while they sleep!

There's a big difference between letting them play off lead (for however long) and walking them. When they're loose and playing about they have the opportunity to flop down if they need/want. When they're on a walk they don't have that option.

So letting them play about is grand because they can pace themselves and rest when they need.