Taking your new puppy out for a walk is one of the best things you can do to bond with your pet and ensure their physical and mental health. A well-exercised dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing, jumping, and digging behaviors.
The amount of exercise a puppy needs will vary from dog to dog, but at 12 weeks of age, they should be getting around 30 minutes per day. This can be split into sessions so that they have time to relax and recover before the next exercise session.
Your puppy's energy levels and breed also play a big role in determining how long they can walk, but it's important to let them set the pace. Some puppies may be able to tolerate walking up to ten miles, while others may not be ready for such distances.
Short, frequent walks are the best way to build up your puppy's stamina and avoid injury. As you become familiar with your pup, increase the length of the walk gradually and take breaks as needed to prevent them from becoming overly tired.
When you first introduce your puppy to the leash and harness, start out with very short walks. This allows them to learn that the only way to continue is to remain by your side.
If they try to move out of position, you should stop and wait for them until they are back in the right place. This technique can be difficult to get your puppy used to at first, but they will soon learn it and you'll see them walking calmly by your side.
