I have an 11 week old German Shepherd puppy. I take him for walks twice a day. How long should these walks be? How far or how long should he be walking now? I don't want to over-exercise him, but I want him to get a good work out.
2007-09-30 14:09:17 · 5 answers · asked by Martha D 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's a high energy breed so I wouldn't worry about walking him too much. You're doing just fine. Take a jug of water with you for the both of you and make time for a couple of rest stops along the way. Don't worry, you'll wear out before he does. Walk as far as you like. Both of you will sleep great come bedtime!
2007-09-30 14:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by cestlavie44 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes this is a high energy dog that can handle a 2 mile twice a day walk easily at this age, However, the puppy is 11 weeks old. He has not had all his shots yet. There are many diseases out there that could be fatal for your puppy. I would highly recommend waiting till your puppy is at least 16 weeks before walking him period. That way, he has had all his shots and had time for the immune systems to build up.
2007-09-30 22:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by boleen03 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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Resistance walk
Try to walk your dog on different surfaces like sand, shallow water, fallen leaves, snow or on a rough surface.
Enhanced walk
Use obstacles when you're out walking like benches, trees, ditches and logs for your dog to jump over, crawl under or balance on.
Fetch
Throwing a ball or toy is great exercise for your dog, and you can make him work harder by doing it on a hillside or stairs. Don't throw sticks, though, as they can splinter and cause injury.
Hide and Seek
Hide a toy or some kibbles and let your dog find it.
Swimming or hydrotherapy
Ideal for dogs with arthritis or back problems. Ask your veterinarian about hydrotherapy.
Obstacle courses
Set up low hurdles (use a broom stick across two objects), tunnels (available from pet shops or use cardboard boxes) and a slalom course (objects set one yard apart) to exercise your dog.
To a dog, a walk is an all-round workout that keeps his body and his mind healthy. But it's important that your dog is exercised every day, not just at weekends. Regular exercise will help him lose weight as well as keeping him fitter, healthier and happier. Extra long walks at the weekend can actually do more harm than good, especially if your dog suffers from arthritis. He may appear to keep up, but he can be stiff and sore the following day.
2007-09-30 21:33:15 · answer #3 · answered by wicked witch of the west w 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All vets will recommend limited excerise for any pup under 1 year old. Putting too much stress on their growing bones will give them health problems in adulthood. an 11 weeks old needs only one easy paced 15 minutes per day. Try mixing it up a little with ball games in backyard and off leash playtime in parks . Dont over walk your puppy or your pup will develop joint problems in the future. When she reaches 1 year old. give her all the excerise she craves as her bone structure will have had enough time to strengthen and grow. Good luck
2007-10-01 02:54:22 · answer #4 · answered by kaz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can excerise them too much. 11 weeks old is just a baby. I would take him for a short walk a couple of times a day until he is alittle older. Do not over do it. Wait a couple of more months.
2007-09-30 21:27:59 · answer #5 · answered by kingsley 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋