Puppy Walking Guidelines

This post may contain affiliate links, or we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post. For more information on this, please visit our legal page.

Though walking your new puppy seems like a pretty self-explanatory thing to do, there are a few puppy walking guidelines you should follow. Below you will read tips and tricks, along with some facts to help you and your new pup get the most out of your daily strolls. Read on to find out more:

How Often

An easy trick to remember is to walk your puppy 5 minutes per every week old they are. For example, if they’re 4 weeks old, that allots for a 20-minute walk, whereas if they’re 6 weeks, that’s 30 minutes of walking time. 

Do this up until they hit their 6-month mark. You can do this up to 2 times per day, and it should be done daily. You can also do this in spurts if doing it all at once seems like a lot for your puppy. A few 10-minute walks here and there will still help your new friend out! Plus, you’ll get some exercise too!

Walking Too Much

It may seem like man’s best friend is a bundle of energy, and often that is very true. However, even if they are full of energy, it is possible to walk them too much. 

Doing so can lead to exhaustion and things such as joint damage. The physical effects on this are more damaging for larger breeds such as Rottweilers and Labs. Keep an eye on your puppy when you’re walking and watch out for signs of exhaustion.

This is a good place to mention that the terrain you walk your pup on matters too. We will cover more of that next.

Terrain

Where you and your new friend are walking can make a big difference. For example, in the summer, it’s smart to avoid pavements or sidewalks to keep their paw pads from getting burned. 

You can check if it’s too hot by putting your hand down and feeling it. If it’s too hot to keep your hand there, it’s too hot for your dog’s foot. If you’re walking on a gravel road, mind any sharp objects you may come across such as rocks with sharp edges or shards of glass. Their paw pads are strong but can also cut easily if they come across these things.

Leash

Since your puppy is not only new to you but also to the world in general, they don’t exactly know the ropes yet. Unless you’re in a fenced area or indoor space, it is smart to keep your dog on a leash. This can be especially important if you live in the city. Dogs are really smart creatures, but this won’t stop them from running in front of cars or just run off in general.

Conclusion

Those are a few simple tips to help you enjoy your walk with your new puppy. We hope you found a few things useful – you and your pup will be bonding and having a blast on your daily strolls in no time!