How old does a dog have to be for their first walk?

Question

I am getting a puppy, when is the appropriate age to take her on a walk? Also, can they wear a collar when they are 8 weeks old?

Answer 1

First no 8 weeek old pup is going to walk on a leash. You will end up with the pup pulling on the leash and finally sitting down and you will have to carry. At 8 weeks old they are babies and need the comfort you can give him until he is used to being in his new home. They sleep a whole lot and their energy level is in spurts, then they crash and sleep.
You should not try this until your pup get to know you and his or her new home. Also at 8 weeks they haven't had their second set of shots yet so taking him out into the big world isn't a good idea. Wait until he has seen your vet for his second round of shots that way he'll be better protected.
You can try to get him used to his collar and a leash right away in your yard. Get him a collar that will have a loop on it so you can attach a lead on it. Usually a 6 foot lead is good. Every time you take the pup outside put the lead on and just let him drag it around the yard then he will get used to it, it also is great tool to catch him if he wanders to far from you. Give this excersise a few days then pick up the leash and start to walk him around the yard. Once he gets used to that then you are ready for a short walk in the big world.

Answer 2

Yes, they definetly can wear a collar at 8 weeks. There are breeders whose pups go home leash trained already.

There are different theories on walking age. I myself, though in the minority, won't walk a pup until it's one year old. They're growing, I believe they don't need the added stress to their bones and their play is definetly enough. And they do get more than an adaquete amount of exercise from their vigorous play.

But many owners start immeadetly.

If you're going to do the latter - start taking baby steps. Start with 5 or 10 minute walks, and try as best you can to stay away from concrete. It's hard on joints - especially young and old ones. Slowly - and I do mean slowly - work your way up as your pup grows older.

Answer 3

Any puppy that is old enough to go to a new home and be seperated from his mother is old enough to go on a walk and wear a collar. Be prepared, though! Most puppies do not like to wear collars and a leash because they aren't used to it. Also, they don't automatically know how to walk with a leash attached so they may lag way behind you (so you feel like you have to pull them along) or them may try to get way ahead of you (like they are pulling you). Leash training can take quite a while, so just be patient! Puppies are like babies -- they don't understand so they have to be taught.

Answer 4

8-10 weeks is the perfect age for this sort of thing. If you have a runt, it might take some extra patience and a slower pace.

Let me just echo what an above poster said about shots. This is muy importante!

Answer 5

8 weeks is perfect to put their collars and leashes on!! They may protest at first but the sooner you get them used to it the better. When you take it outside keep saying things like come on come here... that way they will want to walk with you instead of protesting about the leash being on them =) i hope this was helpful!!

Answer 6

If they are old enough to take home they are old enough to go on a walk and wear a collar. But, treat him/her just like a toddler that just learned to walk. The walks shouldn't be too long.

Answer 7

Age isn't the factor as much as HAS IT HAD ITS SHOTS?? A puppy can catch parvo if it hasn't been vacinated at least twice before going on a walk. If your puppy gets parvo, it can die.

Answer 8

2 or 3 weeks.

Answer 9

if they can Walk then take them on a walk but don't drag them a long walk slow if they r kinda really young