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Willow

Is the "5 minutes of exercise per month of age" rule accurate?

My puppy is 5 months old. I usually take her on two shorter walks, but sometimes I take her on one, 1 hour long walk (covering approximately 2 miles, walking leisurely), and I frequently take her on 1-2 hour plays sessions at the dog park (she does not play continuously the whole time). I recently came across the "5 minutes of exercise per month of age" rule, and now I’m worried that I’ve over exercised her. I don’t want to cause her any joint or bone problems. Is this rule accurate? Should I scale down the length of walks/outdoor play time?


Asked by Willow on Apr 16th 2009 Tagged length, puppy, walks, play, exercise in Exercise & Play
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Guest

I have never heard "5 minutes/month of age".. and I don't think there is such a thing as over exercise.

There are too many dogs out there that don't get enough.

Your dog would let you know when/if it was tired.
It would lay down, resist, pant excessively.
If you pushed your dog despite all those, then there would be an issue.

But it sounds like your dog is enjoying itself.

I take Bella for long walks.. and when we get home she still has enough energy to run circles around me.
(she is going on 16 weeks and is a pom)


Member 818215 answered on 4/16/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Dieta

I have never heard of that rule.
But at same time I think one hour walk is too much at this age. Maybe break that down some. You have to consider her age, heat, cold, ect.
But, it is up to you. Larger dogs seem to have the most problems with long term heavy exercise when they are pups:)


Dieta answered on 4/17/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Sam

I'm new to this group so you might of found the answer out by now.
You are correct in what you saying. it is 5 mins walk for every month of the puppies age eg 3months old -15 mins - break down into 3 5 mins walk, 4 months - 20 mins - break down into 4 5 mins and so on. You gradually increase the length of the dogs walks, this is because the pups bones ect are still growing and over excersising could do damage for the future.
I have always been advised this when ive had a new puppy.
Hope this helps and happy walking
Maggie


Sam answered on 9/3/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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