During the first few months of your puppy‘s life, he or she may not be up for the usual physical activity. Keeping him or her mentally stimulated, however, is essential for good health. Puppy activities should be centered on training and mental exercise. You should consult a veterinarian if your pup is unable to move around on their own. Even a short burst of activity can contribute to more exercise and calories burned. Short bursts of activity are beneficial and will eventually lead to a healthier, calmer dog.
Tip: Avoid over-exercising your puppy
While your puppy’s growth is still slow, you can’t ignore the dangers of over-exercising him. It can impact the development of his joints and bones, particularly giant and large breeds. Many of these breeds are known to continue growing until 18-24 months of age, so over-exercising them is a serious mistake. In addition to putting undue stress on their joints, over-exercising can negatively impact their thyroid health. If you suspect your puppy may be experiencing thyroid issues, try alternating high-intensity training sessions with a low-intensity program.
Although it may seem like fun to go for a brisk walk or go for a run, puppies need a lot of socialization. This may involve attending puppy training classes, daycare, and playdates. Even a simple walk with your puppy with other dogs can help your puppy make new friends and learn to socialize with other dogs and humans. Avoid over-exercising your puppy when he is growing, as this could result in injury or even depression.
Excessive exercise may be unhealthy for growing puppies. In addition to damaging their joints, over-exercising also increases their risk of developing arthritis. Excessive exercise can also lead to bloat in your puppy. Puppies should be trained to return to you when called by their name. As a general rule, a puppy needs about five minutes of exercise every month. However, if they over-exercise, they can develop hip dysplasia and other orthopedic issues.
Avoid over-playing
When doing puppy activities and exercises, be careful not to over-exert your dog’s energy levels or joints. Puppies are growing and developing their stamina and cardiovascular systems, so they will have short bursts of energy that can lead to joint damage. Research your dog’s breed to determine how much physical activity is healthy for your pup. During this critical stage, self-directed play should constitute the majority of your puppy’s exercise and activity routines. This should be combined with early puppy training, brain games, and plenty of interaction with you.
Keep your dog mentally stimulated
To keep your dog mentally stimulated, consider introducing toys. Puppy toys are a great way to provide your pup with a variety of fun activities. You can also use an obstacle course made of towels, Post-It notes, and fuzzy stuffed toys. Your dog will love jumping over obstacles and weaving through toys while waiting for its owner to come to him. It will also feel good to get a treat from finding his owner!
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. It’s important to keep your dog’s mind busy, as dogs are prone to develop problem behaviors if they’re bored. Puppy activities and exercise can help keep your dog mentally active and less likely to develop neurological problems. So how do you get your puppy started on the right path? By creating fun activities and games for him, both you and he’ll enjoy yourself.
Another great mental stimulation activity for your puppy is to hide treats for your dog to find. Start with one treat in your closed fist, and as your puppy becomes more confident, move to different areas of your home. Another fun activity is to build an obstacle course using sturdy containers. The goal is to make the activity more challenging and fun for your puppy. Your dog will get a lot of exercise while you keep him mentally stimulated.
Consider a wobble board or stair climber
To engage your puppy in physical activity, consider purchasing a wobble board or stair climbers. These toys provide an excellent outlet for physical stimulation and can also be fun for the pup. You can use a treat or a favorite toy to encourage your puppy to play. As your puppy gets stronger and more agile, you can increase the difficulty of the puzzle by introducing it to a stair climber or wobble board.
Another great exercise option for your puppy is a wobble board. This product will help your puppy develop its balance and impulse control. In addition to helping your puppy improve its balance and overall coordination, a wobble board can help prepare them for agility events. They’re also fun and versatile. Regardless of the purpose, a wobble board will help your puppy stay fit and active for many years to come.
If you’re looking for a cheap option, a wobble board might be the perfect solution for your puppy’s exercise needs. This exercise tool consists of a circular platform with a rounded ball in the middle. The size of a wobble board is typically 24″ in diameter and is ideal for smaller dogs, but larger breeds may be better suited for a larger platform.
Avoid over-exercising dogs with short snouts
Unlike large, heavy-coated huskies, small, and delicate French Bulldogs are able to tolerate heat more easily, and their shorter coats make them great candidates for easy exercise. However, these dogs are Brachycephalic, meaning that their muzzles are short. If you notice your dog panting, it’s likely that he is suffering from excessive heat. Avoid over-exercising a dog with a short snout because the summer heat can kill them.
Keep your dog hydrated
Make sure to provide your puppy with fresh water at all times. Puppies need to drink small amounts of water every couple of hours, and you should encourage them to drink often. Water can help them stay hydrated, and you should be sure to provide them with clean water and electrolytes to help keep their fluid levels balanced. When the weather is warm, it’s essential to limit outdoor activities and keep a bowl of fresh water nearby.
Another way to detect whether your puppy is dehydrated is to measure the skin elasticity. When a dog is properly hydrated, its skin will easily spring back to its original shape, while dehydrated skin won’t. To test whether your puppy is properly hydrated, lift its neck and check the skin elasticity. If its skin doesn’t spring back, your dog may need to drink more water. If you suspect that your dog is dehydrated, you can add some bone broth to its food. You can also make your dog a popsicle made of fruit or goats milk.
Always remember to provide water for your puppy whenever you are out and about. Many puppies are lazy creatures, and it’s hard to get them to go to the water bowl every time they need to drink. Set up extra water bowls on your walks and take them with you when you go on excursions with your pup. Keeping water close by will keep them cool during hot summer days. If you don’t have enough water in your home, try to buy collapsible bowls.
