Exercise And Food For 13 Week Pup

Hi guys,

A couple of questions:

1) My whippet pup is able to go out now after having had his injections but I was just wondering how much excercise I should be giving him per day.

He has loads of energy in the house etc so I was planning on taking him out for 2 or 3 30min walks/run around on a field but I've read that for a puppy of his age it should only be 25 mins or so due to bone development etc.

Should I be keeping it to a minimum at the moment?

2) I've been feeding him Bakers puppy but I've just read on the Scruples whippet rescue that this is low quality etc. Anyone else had any experience of this?

Cheers

Hi there and welcome TGA, I'm not an expert but I certainly didn't do that much with mine when they were 12 wks and I am presuming he's about this age. I did 10 minutes walk a couple of times a day, getting him used to his lead and seeing cars, people, dogs etc, lots of play on a one to one basis in the house which is good for bonding and, being both spring/summer puppies, playing and exploring the garden. I also started gently training from day one just for a few minutes and whilst awake, your puppy will need to go in the garden to toilet every half hour or so. They have loads of energy but no stamina and just fall in a heap for a good, long sleep after periods of play. I know they're not large or giant breeds but be mindful of young bones and joints and take it easy. I saw a 14 wk old border collie pup being walked down a stretch of the coast where I live and the poor little thing was exhausted, not just with the length of the walk but with the terrain they were expecting this tiny pup to contend with (they were trying to tire it out). In my opinion you don't need to at such a young age a good game with a toy and the puppy's natural curiosity tires them out without the need for long walks. Gradually build up his stamina and don't rush it, ensure he is well socialised as he grows and tailor your walks to his ability. I hope everything works out and you enjoy your lovely boy.

Sorry, just realised your said he was 13 wks!

I work on 5 mins per month of age twice a day. Obviously every dog varies and this needs to be taken into account but I do think that 2/3 30 min walks/runs a day at 12 weeks is probably too much. Enjoy your pup and I hope you will post some photos

Just read your question about food. I would avoid a food full of additives and cheaper ingredients. I used to feed Fish4Dogs which is a good quality food but transferred over to Lily's Kitchen just over 12 months ago. Remember any change of food you make should be done gradually to avoid any tummy upsets.

Thanks for your advice guys. Just got some 'Burns' dry food which is supposed to be a decent quality one. Going to mix it in with his Bakers at first so not to upset his stomach. And as far as the exercise, I'll cut down the time for a while!

TGA said:

Thanks for your advice guys. Just got some 'Burns' dry food which is supposed to be a decent quality one. Going to mix it in with his Bakers at first so not to upset his stomach. And as far as the exercise, I'll cut down the time for a while!

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I've used Burns in the past and had no problems. I always transfer to a new food over a period of two/three weeks which I find works for me. I know that generally speaking it can be done more quickly than this. It just what works for me.

defo not lots of exersize for the wee one yet, hes got all his life ahead of him so nice and easy for now,

Burns is good. Bakers is full of additives.

I'm going off 5 mins per month of age (twice a day) for walks.

Is the usual daily exercise for an adult whip about an hour per day?

My adults get their short first thing walk before breakfast, a two hour (at least) off lead walk at about noon and in the light evenings a further early evening walk which can be on or off lead. They always have a last 10 minute lead walk before bed. We have a large garden so they have the run of that as well.