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May issue
May issue
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Exercise regime
Hello,
Can anyone recommend how much exercise I should begin with my 13-week-old Siberian Husky bitch and how I should build this up over time to full long walks and runs?
I have read that it is a minute per week of age 3 times a day so 13 mins walk 3 times a day. I have a 16 week old bichonpoo and that is what we are doing!
Really, this is something you need to ask your vet about. My vet, for instance, recommends 5 minutes for each month of the dog's life per walk, up to twelve months old i.e. a three month old puppy should have no more than 15 minutes leash walking per walk (but could have two walks per day); a 6 month old puppy could have 30 minutes per walk of leash walking; this should continue until she's almost fully grown. Having said that, I know another local vet gives a slightly different recommendation.
As tempting as it may be, walking her too much will not tire her out or make her sleep more - in fact quite the opposite! Puppies, like young children, can become over-tired, and when they're over-tired they get "bratty", but unlike kids bratty puppies have sharp little teeth! Too much exercise also runs the risk of damaging the growing puppy's bones and joints, which could lead to problems like arthritis or hip dysplacia.
The kennel club recommends 5 minutes for each month of their life twice a day. So in your case she could have two fifteen minute walks a day. I would say the running should wait until she is fully grown and should be built up in the sane sort of way. So an extra five minutes each month. I would advise this to reduce stress on her joints.
I have read that it is a minute per week of age 3 times a day so 13 mins walk 3 times a day. I have a 16 week old bichonpoo and that is what we are doing!
ReplyDeleteReally, this is something you need to ask your vet about. My vet, for instance, recommends 5 minutes for each month of the dog's life per walk, up to twelve months old i.e. a three month old puppy should have no more than 15 minutes leash walking per walk (but could have two walks per day); a 6 month old puppy could have 30 minutes per walk of leash walking; this should continue until she's almost fully grown. Having said that, I know another local vet gives a slightly different recommendation.
ReplyDeleteAs tempting as it may be, walking her too much will not tire her out or make her sleep more - in fact quite the opposite! Puppies, like young children, can become over-tired, and when they're over-tired they get "bratty", but unlike kids bratty puppies have sharp little teeth! Too much exercise also runs the risk of damaging the growing puppy's bones and joints, which could lead to problems like arthritis or hip dysplacia.
The kennel club recommends 5 minutes for each month of their life twice a day. So in your case she could have two fifteen minute walks a day. I would say the running should wait until she is fully grown and should be built up in the sane sort of way. So an extra five minutes each month. I would advise this to reduce stress on her joints.
ReplyDelete