How much play time for a 12 week old?

[David and Franklin]

First, a word of thanks: this group has been amazingly helpful and supportive. Seems that raising a puppy is more tiring at age 58 than at 33 or 45. We have successfully navigated Giardia and are transitioning him to a premium grain free puppy food.

My question de jure: how much puppy play time is needed for a 12 week old? I try to give focused attention at least twice a day, which includes playing with toys, lots of tummy rubs and playing "zoomie," where we chase each other through the house. He is also out of his kennel when I am reading and in the morning while I work (I work at home at a desk), usually amusing himself with his toys or resting at my feet. I rarely leave him in his kennel more than an hour or two, taking him out to use the bathroom and then having a mini play break. I am very aware that even when puppy is wound up, he needs lots of rest. He is only now sleeping through the night.

So the question is, How much play time is enough? He is a very robust energetic little guy. I appreciate all of your comments.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I think walks are so important to pups minds. Rippley and I usually have two (about 25 minute) walks per day, since he was new. This usually happens after a fetch in the yard or such, so he is not "fresh" out of crate for his walk - thus helping his behavior on the walk. He listens best when he is already a bit tired. Also, changing routes (mix it up so he is continually stimulated and looking to you to lead him), finding new places to walk around, etc. all helps tire their minds and bodies!
I know it can be hard. I've felt like, "My gosh, I am continually entertaining this puppy to drain his energy!" But, you will fall into a rhythm and it will get easier as he grows... Routines help. Sounds like you are doing great already!! Best,

[David and Franklin]

I live next to a huge park where a lot of dogs run off lead. I carried him through there a couple of times without allowing his paws to touch the ground (parvovirus). I was trying to clicker train him into a heel on the sidewalk. He was doing really well when he got caught up in a fear cycle and does not want walk outside the house. I got a little wagon for him to sit in and he jumped out twice and got constricted on his leash, so no more wagon rides. I have been trying to reintroduce him slowly to walks but his little heart is not in it. This will have to change. My last dog and I bore witness to about 4,500 sunrises in the park!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I read somewhere that they can walk 1 minute per week of age.  I have NO idea if this is a valid recommendation.

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Aww those sunrises sound awesome! You will get there by showing him your confidence with his new exposures/experiences, and treating him for his bravery! Super important to do (address his fears now so they don't stick, or increase!) - also important to remember not to reward his fear by soothing him with, " it's ok" and petting. This can supposedly validate or reinforce a fearful state of mind. Show him he can relax cause you are his confident leader...
Also, do you have a fenced in yard? We do not, so the long, long lead from the stake in the yard helped us tremendously to exercise him at that age. We still use it but are training for a great recall, too...

[David and Franklin]

Hi Cindy, yes, my last dog Boomer and I had wonderful times on our morning and evening constitutionals. Little Franklin will have great opportunities to socialize each day during the afternoon Doggy Happy Hour. I do have a fenced yard and we visit it frequently throughout the day for potty breaks. We have clicker trained out there a few times and played "Zoomie." He is only now beginning to explore back there a little, usually after I lead the way. A dog bark or loud car will send him scampering back through the doggy door. I may try a walk tomorrow in the cool morning hours, since surface traffic will be low on a holiday (i have been under the weather today). He has found the gate in the back yard and I will walk him out that way into the big wide world. I have made mistakes in the past with pups by forcing them to confront fears too fast. I may be over compensating on this round. Always a tricky balance, and I am probably more of of soother these days than I was as an adamant young man. Trying to be very nonchalant when he has a fear reaction. Thanks for the input.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I would keep him leashed in the yard.  When he hears something that scares him, you can comfort him, rather than him running back inside.  When he has calmed down, you can resume the play/walk/training.  Just a thought.

[David and Franklin]

Not really necessary. I can accomplish the same result by blocking his path of escape. I did use a cable system many years ago and was not satisfied with the result. On the plus side we went for two walks today, I carried him to the end of the street and clicker trained him to a heel on the walk home. I think it helped that we were walking toward the house, not away from it. Little guy learns really quickly. Seems to have grasped the idea of "retrieve" really quickly. He seems to have a poodle's fast intellect. It remains to be seen whether he has a Golden's desire to please. He certainly has a canine desire to win rewards. Overall training this little fella has not presented too many challenges just yet. No doubt that will change at some point. just hope I do not run out of energy! I appreciate all of your responses, as always!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

LOL...as you will find ....as they get older, they get braver, faster and become " hard of hearing", or I should say, they learn the act of " selective hearing". Having him leashed means you have control. Time will tell.
Yes...cable systems are not for puppies.

[David and Franklin]

He is much faster than my retrievers, and seems to have a mind of his own. I suspect he would do well in agility. I want a well behaved dog, but not at the expense of breaking the little fella's spirit. It promises to be a challenge.

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Every dog is different in terms of energy level (although I personally think the average for doodles is probably on the higher side compared to other breeds).  But he will know when he's had enough.  I would definitely not force him to exercise longer than he is comfortable with while he is growing like that, but as far as general puppy play, I don't think you have to worry as long as he is having fun.  Also young puppies like that really do not have much of an attention span.  He will likely play and rest in a bunch of little spurts all through the day.