An important part of a dog’s life is exercise, not only for fitness but also for mental stimulation. Exercise is crucial for dogs to maintain fitness and prevent overweightness, but it should be gradually introduced, as young puppies may have different exercise requirements. Exercise times and feeding times are often the most exciting parts of a dog’s day, and your puppy will grow to keenly anticipate them.
Small beginnings
Puppies need much less exercise than fully grown dogs. If you over-exercise a growing puppy, you can quickly overtire it, and more importantly damage its developing joints, which may cause early arthritis. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes of exercise per month of age (up to twice a day), until the puppy is fully grown, i.e. 15 minutes when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc.
Exercise Requirements
During the 0-12 weeks of a puppy's life, it's crucial to limit exercise to the confines of the garden, allowing for early training and the introduction of a half-check coke collar. Ensuring the puppy has safe toys and a safe environment for socialising is essential for their development. Taking them to safe environments like private gardens is also beneficial.
Puppy and dog owners should regularly exercise in a safe, secure area to prevent frustration. While your garden is important, it doesn't replace exploring new environments and socializing with other dogs. Ensure your puppy is trained to recall, ensuring they return to you when called.
You should never exercise your puppy on a full stomach as this may contribute to bloat or stomach dilation which can sometimes prove fatal.
Frequency of Exercise
The duration and frequency of exercise should remain consistent and any increases should be gradual. For the majority of dogs, exercise is an important part of their life and so they will take as much as you can give. A dog will also enjoy play, whether with you or on its own and so toys play an important part in a dog's life.
Min Pins will normally be capable of walking to the same capability as its owner, however as a dog becomes older, exercise should be reduced and your dog should be allowed to walk at its own pace.
Puppy Advice
Read through our Puppy pages for useful info about owning a young Min Pin.
Puppy
Socialisation Advice
Puppy
Exercise Advice
Puppy
Training Advice
Puppy
Diet Advice
Puppy
Grooming Advice
Puppy
Worming Advice
