Question:We currently walk her about half a mile (15 mins) twice a day. She seems to have energy for more but we do not want to push her.
Answers:
That's a perfect amount of walking for her at this stage, but she also needs some off-lead exercise too. Time to run around and sniff things, socialise with other dogs, play with a ball etc. Soon enough she will grow and need an hour off lead as well as two 15-30 minute walks a day. Labs also have a tendency to put on weight easily so they do need a lot of esercise, every day, whatever the weather. If you want an exact answer, either contact the breeder you got her from or call a local animal home, they are usually quite happy to give out advice. The RSPCA will happily advise as will your vet. You could also try reading some of the dedicated lab websites, or get a book specifically for labs which covers everything from birth onwards. Generally these books are invaluable as they contain specific breed information, training tips and most importantly, health and first aid tips. You will see when your dog is getting tired, but certainly some off lead time as well as those walks would be good, maybe not an hour yet though. Good luck, I bet she's adorable, we've just got a 2 year old Husky/Staffie cross from a shelter, she is so adorable, my last dog was a lab though, fantastic dogs, enjoy. God bless
You will be able to tell and too much is better than not enough, she will be loving her walks I'm sure and don't worry, if it was a long walk she'll just sleep it off.
For whoever gave me a thumbs down, my father in law is a vet and and all this about damaging them is abit extreme, you'd have to be really really over doing it for that to happen and I'm not suggesting a 30 mile run, just that pups are fairly hardy and will it is pretty clear when your own is getting abit tired.
That sounds about good. You might be able to add a couple minutes on, but you don't want to push her, so it sounds like you're doing a good job.
Take slow building up a little more distance every walk. If the dog seems to be tired take it back down a notch! Hope I helped. <3333333
We walked our dog at least that much at that age. Sporting breeds (like labs) require more exercise than other breeds. Sounds fine to me.
do not go too far just yet.let the bones and muscles develop.the energy level will be high until they die. they are high energy dogs.
That's probably enough for now. Her bones are still forming and as well as the walks you take her on, she's probably doing a lot of running around at home. Add 5 minutes to the walk every month until she's about a year old would be my suggestion. Then see how she's doing.
That sounds about right to me. They are strong dogs and need a lot of exercise, but i understand why you would want to double check.
that's a great walk. for such a young puppy though, try about 20 minutes once in a while. one day to 30 the next do 30 but those next two days, do 20. lets not make her too tired.
Just start adding a little more each day and see how she does. The most important thing is not to walk her to exhaustion. Young dogs if over-exercised can damage the growth plates in their bones and young joints. I suspect she can go longer than half a mile easily but you don't want to overdo it either and you don't want to start doing long runs with her at this age.
That amount of exercise is plenty - walking. And is good to get your pup to understand the ettiquette of good behaviour on the lead. Remember that this is a discipline and should not be 'playtime' or you will be making trouble for yourself at a later date. Constructive play is what your pup needs at this moment. Small area play with company and most importantly, play that will teach. That is fetching, sitting waiting for a reward. This is the PERFECT time for your dog to be LEARNING. If you can - try to read CESAR MILANS 'The Dog Whisperer' - this is by far and away the best training advice that I ever received in over 40 years of dog handling.
i would get all her shots first. she can get diseases if she goes outside in public places (sidewalks) where other dogs. Her paws can absorb the diseases if shes not vaccinated.
short frequent walks r best for puppies..but make sure she gets socialised with older dogs too.they will keep her right,letting her know what she can get away with and what deserves a reprimand...i find any young dogs i foster learn a lot from the older dogs. gradually introduce her to new things so that she learns when she can play...when she has to be gentle and when she has to stay still...when u make training fun they soon pick up things very easily...you will at no doubt be pushed to breaking point ...but persevere and it will make it all worthwhile
You cruel bastards! You push your 15-week old puppy?
Leave her alone or I'm gonna call the Authorities on you! Try picking on someone your own size!!
What's with you people? Why must you be so harsh on your pet?
You're supposed to take care of her.
I hope she sh*ts in your shoes!
seems fine, more importantly for a lab is to introduce them to swimming then combine the two and you've cracked it!
Dogs will walk and walk as long as you do , just make sure if you go for a long distance to take some water for your dog .
Just like ahuman child she will say when she has had enough - my dog sits down and refuses to walk anymore so you better have strong arms LOL :) Let her do as much as she likes - as long as your feeding a premium feed with high quality protein her muscles will regenerate and grow well - if your feeling low quality feed they will not be as healthy and then you could have a 'weak' dog if you do a lot with her.just check the feed brand - chudleys is excellent - hills- eukenuba - personally i use chudleys and it fab - and walk walk walk :D
I have two lab pups at 4 months old, so they're a little older than yours. When they were two months they whimpered when they were fed up walking but now they just want to go and go. I don't reckon they will let you know when they are tired until they are exhausted, so keen are they to please you! I take mine two 45-60 mins exercise periods per day, which is only about 1-1/5 miles walking but they are off the lead for most of that time and can run as they please. Already one pup is very energetic and wants his ball thrown constantly - I reckon he'd chase it til he dropped! the other is a little lazier and prefers to wander about, occasionally terrorising his brother and stealing the ball. Very different personalities! I reckon you've just got to judge it as you go. My auntie's dog and now my best friend's dog (both labs)have both had to have rest periods enforced because of leg injuries brought on by too much walking but they were doing 1-2 hours each time and covering a few miles (4-5 i reckon), so be wary, their bones don't fully mature until they are 18 month to 2 years, so leave the hill walking til then!!
PS Labs are fab, Enjoy her coz she'll love you bits!!
PPS Has your lass started losing teeth yet? My boys are dropping them daily just now.
use her as your guide try 3- 15 mins a day or 2 half hours
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