How Much Physical and Mental Exercise?

[Mommy2Max]

My Max is just about 14 weeks old - mini Labradoodle. I've been doing lots of reading on puppy/dog care etc. I'm so happy to have found this site that caters to doodle lovers.

My question is how much physical and metal exercise do you give your best friend daily?

Some places caution large amounts of exercise for puppies but, I think my Max needs more than most books seem to suggest. He can have a lot of pent up energy especially since he is being crate trained and not 100% unleashed/free roaming 24/7. Currently, I try and get in min 30 minutes daily of walking but, aim for two 30 minute walking sessions daily. This is besides some puppy craziness of running around our living room and "fetch". We also work on training commands daily - two 10-15 minute sessions. Max also goes for puppy training class weekly (1 1/2hrs) plus 1-2 puppy play sessions (30 minutes each)

Also - what was the difference, if any, from puppyhood to adulthood regarding the amount and type of physical/mental exercise?

Any imput is much appreciated.

~Danielle

[Ali]

Danielle I think you are doing an awesome job so far and will continue to do a great job. When Lola was a little puppy, I kinda let her decide how long the walk would be. She couldn't go that far and would start crying in the middle, so I would then head back home. I think at that time it was just way too hot for her (about 100 degrees), so that could have been it too. Now that she is grown, she can now go for an hour to an hour and a half. We are always going farther, but you can always split it up. When she was younger, she had zoomies the twice a day, even after a long walk, but now (9 months) she gets the zoomies only once a week. She has been more chilled out. I am now starting to run her and teach her that when I run, it doesn't mean it is time to play. So as she is older, I have been increasing her exercise, but she isn't as crazy as she used to be. Along with walk, I also play fetch with her and do a few training exercises. Your on the right track!

[Mommy2Max]

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it.

Max has grown leaps and bounds over the last week and a half. He is now going up and down stairs - no more being carried, far less crate time, he now holds himself all night long, he jumps onto the sofa and off by himself, I don't need to stand by him when he eats, he has had no accidents in the home, uses the poochie bells (most of the time) and he graduates from Puppy I class this friday...woohooo.

I will continue working hard to both mentally and physically challenge him keeping an eye on his cues.

~Danielle

[Tammy & Gracie]

I have a mini GD, Gracie that is just over 1 year old. She always seemed to have boundless energy. We walked, went to the dogpark daily and had ball fetch games in the backyard when she was younger. When I became employed (she was about 8 months) I even took her to doggie daycare every day to keep her exercised, since I no longer had the time for all of it. Recently I discovered that she has calmed down some. I still go for a "power" walk each am before work, and take her to the dogpark some afternoons. She only goes to daycare a day or two a week and most nights we take a shorter walk after dinner. I am still with her every weekend day for some type of adventure such as trips to parks or other doggie entertainment. I am forever looking for stimulation for her. She shows no signs of becoming a couch potato, ever! Now we are searching for a beginner agility class to further entertain her mind and body.