I thought I read or heard somewhere 5 minutes per month of age, I think that's what I used to give Bertie when he was younger and growing - although he would have loved more! That was just lead walking mind, he would rump around the garden or we would take him to a park in the car for him to have a run around off lead for a little while.
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I also don't agree with the 5min/month rule and not 1 of my vets do (we have a lot!). I think it comes down to common sense and i usually advise no 'forced' exercise, ie: running on lead, running next to a bike, constant fetch (which most dogs will do until they drop). I do a lot of off lead walks and all of mine as pups would do 30-40mins off lead from 12 weeks old. This gives them the choice of running about or pottering next to me if they get a little tired.
Pups that do not get the chance to exercise can have joint problems purely because they haven't built up any muscle to support those joints. Also, i think pups that have sufficient exercise are more inclined to relax at home and tend to be easier pups.
Remember though, aswell as physical exercise, dogs need mental stimulation- i vary my walks with lots of smells (woods/common) but also lots of small training sessions will help wear them out!
Pups that do not get the chance to exercise can have joint problems purely because they haven't built up any muscle to support those joints. Also, i think pups that have sufficient exercise are more inclined to relax at home and tend to be easier pups.
Remember though, aswell as physical exercise, dogs need mental stimulation- i vary my walks with lots of smells (woods/common) but also lots of small training sessions will help wear them out!
I also don't think the 5 minute rule is great, if even possible.Poppy had 40 minute walks roughly & she is just over 4 months now (which would mean she should only be having 20 minutes) but then you have to think about how much she goes running around in our back garden playing with Izzie & chasing her! There would be no way to calm her down, so I would say what you're doing is fine
Although the sooner the pup can walk offlead the easier it shoudl be for you! Because they like to stay closer to you at first which means they're more likely to not stray too far
Although the sooner the pup can walk offlead the easier it shoudl be for you! Because they like to stay closer to you at first which means they're more likely to not stray too far
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