Your puppy's exercise needs will change as she grows. When your puppy is very young, veterinarians recommend keeping exercise limited to short walks and multiple play sessions throughout the day, with plenty of time for naps.
Modified 5-Minute Rule
One of the most popular answers to how long a puppy should exercise per day is 5 minutes for every month of age, twice a day. This means an two-month-old puppy should get 10 minutes of exercise twice a day. This is a good starting point, but not all dogs are the same.
Puppyhood is an important stage of development for dogs, so you need to keep puppy entertained — whether you are indoors or out. Keeping your furry buddy working is also important for training and keeping damage to a minimum. A bored puppy is absolutely a puppy who's getting into trouble!
The study of 4,000 dog owners showed that dogs who don't engage in a lot of play suffer from behavioral issues such as anxiety and aggression. Less play time also leads to an increase in whining, jumping up, and not coming when called. Scientists are beginning to agree that play is the key to a dogs happiness.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).
Different dog breeds have different energy levels and rates of growth; the growth plates in their joints close at different ages. But do schedule play and exercise time into your puppy's day: a walk around the neighborhood, playing with toys, and time spent bonding go a long way toward expending energy.
You might notice that they keep trying to get away from the other dog — that's your cue to step in and allow them time to relax or remove them from the play area. A tucked tail paired with ears flat against the head is a sign a dog isn't enjoying themselves.
As a rule, where physical exercise is concerned, other than free play with toys or with other pets, the average puppy who is still growing could do about five minutes for every month of their age, once or twice a day. For example, a puppy of five months old can do 25 minutes of exercise up to twice a day.
Active play helps keep your dog's heart healthy, keeps the joints lubricated, and improves his overall balance and coordination. Mental health. Games with rules force your dog to use his brain, not just his body. This can help keep his mind sharp and focused.
Puppies need up to 18 hours of sleep per day, so leaving them alone for an hour or two at a time should not be too difficult. Avoid taking your puppy with you everywhere you go in the beginning, as tempting as it may be.
Just like humans, dogs need mental and physical stimulation to lead fulfilling lives. “Boredom is not the trivial annoyance it is sometimes dismissed as. Animal boredom is biologically plausible: animals avoid monotony and seek stimulation,” stated University of London biologist Charlotte C.
Yes, sometimes problems can arise from spending too much time with your dog. This is because they can become dependent on your company and become increasingly demanding. To keep your relationship healthy, and for a well-behaved dog that you will love even more; you can make sure interactions are on your terms.
On average, you can expect to spend at a minimum, 1 - 2 hours each day on providing dedicated attention for your dog. This can be in the form of a walk, play, enrichment activities, training or general cuddle time. Dogs are pack animals so most of them love attention and company.
Interactive toys can exercise your dog's brain by letting them chew, lick, sniff, and explore. Toys such as KONG, activity flip boards, and puppy puzzles are perfect for mental stimulation. In addition to simple interactive toys, you can also try out high-tech gadgets such as the Furbo Dog Camera!
Training games, toys, and treats are all useful ways to keep your dog entertained in your home. Dog sports like scent work or agility offer great options for exercising your dog indoors.
Playing is necessary for a dog to have good mental, physical, and emotional health, even if it is done alone. Playing when he is left alone is a great skill because playing can reduce stress and anxiety.
In normal play,a puppy may bow (lower its head and raise its hind end), present its front and side to the owner, wag its tail, dart back and forth, emit high pitched barks and growls, and spontaneously attack people or objects. Generally, its ears will be up and its mouth will be open and relaxed.
In general, the minimum amount of interaction time for a puppy to be happy and healthy is two to three hours per day. This will give you enough time for training, play, cuddling, and feeding.
Consider doggy daycare
If your dogs don't do well at home alone or you work long hours, doggy daycare is an excellent option. Even if it's just a few times a week, daycare can make a huge difference — your pup can socialize with other dogs, play, and get the exercise they need.
Dogs need company, so it's not fair to leave them on their own for a long time if you are out at work all day. All individual dogs will cope differently with being left alone, and each have their own physical, mental, and social needs that will need to be met.