[felipe86]

Hi everyone,

Might be an easy question to answer but I’m a bit lost. Research suggests that you only exercise your puppy for 5mins for every month old they are. So if a pup is 3 months old, it should only get 15mins exercise. Here’s my question:

is that guidance per day or per exercise slot (could the pup be exercised 3 times a day for a maximum of 5mins x however old they are)?

for my 3 month pup Doberman, 15mins doesn’t seem enough.
Thanks.

 

[MeadowCat]

I don't believe that is actually based on scientific research. The exercise restrictions now placed on young dogs seem to have gotten really out of control. There's a big difference between forcing a young pup to run next to you on hard concrete for miles, and letting a puppy play and run - at their own pace and direction.

This is an excellent read on exercise for puppies and young dogs: Exercises for Young Dogs

This is a great piece by a veterinarian: What is the Logic Behind Not Exercising Puppies Until the Growth Plates are Closed?

One further read - the biggest thing I worry about is joint damage. The #1 and #2 common injury factors for puppies - it's not just about hips and elbows

Be more worried about repetitive stress activities like fetch causing injuries:

What’s all the fuss about Fetch?

Ball throwing is not an ideal activity for their arthritic dog. In fact it is not an ideal activity for any dog, whatever their age or condition. Here, three members of Canine Arthritis Management …

bharcsblog.wordpress.com

Play Ball!...Safely

Cody strained at his leash as he entered my examination room. A brown and white pitbull mix with soft eyes, large neck and shoulder muscles, and a beautiful sheen to his coat, he rubbed the side of...

www.caninesports.com