Inviting puppies into your home is a thrilling and unique period – there are numerous important aspects to consider during the first few weeks, which include the importance of regular exercise. It’s not just that exercising your puppy is beneficial to their physical and mental health, but also for their growth. Still, it’s also a fantastic chance for your puppy to interact with other puppies as well as dogs and other people.

It’s easy for us to get caught up in the exuberance of our puppies and forget that they are infants – and just like infants, they have a limited physical capacity while they’re still in the process of developing. Therefore, it’s equally important to get your puppy into every aspect of life that requires effort, which includes exercising.

Here are some suggestions for exercise for your dog!

Preparation is key

To ensure the safety of your puppy, all of their routine vaccinations must be administered prior to visiting public areas, such as the park, to decrease the risk of contracting an infection that can be prevented from contact with other dogs or in a potentially contaminated environment. It is a good idea to consult your vet to determine if your puppy is fully vaccinated and if it’s safe to visit public areas with them.

If your puppy isn’t yet vaccinated, it’s crucial to keep them in the car and avoid exposure to the other dogs or places where dogs may have been. You can, however, go to a preschool for puppies, that is, and in a clean setting.

Puppy Preschool is a fantastic first step.

The initial days with your puppy are essential to socialization and learning.

A puppy preschool that utilizes rewards-based strategies in a secure setting can be a fantastic method to assist your puppy to behave pleasantly with other dogs as well as puppies. Consult your vet about the time your puppy will start, and they may be able to direct you to puppy-friendly schools that are in your vicinity.

Keep your walks short.

When you’re ready for your first walks, keep safety first! Before you take your puppy on their first stroll, make sure that they’re relaxed and comfortable with their collar/harness and leash. This could require some time. Once they’re set and ready to go, begin by taking your puppy out for gentle, short walks. As your puppy grows, it is important to stay clear of exercising too much and getting overexerted (over-exercising puppies can impact the development of muscles and bones). Make sure to allow your puppy time to look at posts, plants, and other objects since this is a vital natural activity that they should take part in and truly enjoy.

When walking, it’s normal for puppies to become tired and desire to relax. Look for clues such as your puppy lying on the ground mid-walk (puppies tend to be extremely excited, and therefore, the signs may not be as apparent). It’s crucial to allow them to relax and then wait until they are ready to begin walking again. If they appear too exhausted to continue, then stop walking and return home, bringing them with you in case they need to.

The time you spend free counts, too!

Engaging your pup in a secure, enclosed space such as your backyard or dog park with fencing is a fantastic way to keep fit. So, your puppy is free to run and play and can stop and rest whenever they want.

Interactive toys are a great option to keep your puppy active at home. It’s also stimulating for the brain. Beware of excessive ball throwing and catching that can overload your dog without being aware. It is recommended to stay clear of taking part in any sport that requires your dog to leap in the air (e.g., Frisbee and high-ball throwing) because they could be thrown off in awkward ways and could result in injury to joints and limbs.

With all of this in mind, you and your dog are certainly on the right track for a secure and enjoyable life.