Both physical exercise and mental stimulation are important parts of any dogs life, but especially puppies. Here’s some tips for exercising a puppy’s body and mind.
Physical Exercise:
Walks: Start with short walks and gradually increase duration as your puppy grows. Explore different terrains like grass, dirt, and pavement to keep walks interesting. Allow periods for the dog to go sniff things and not just walk nicely with you.
Playtime: Engage in interactive play sessions throughout the day using toys like tug-of-war, fetch, or frisbees.Swimming: If your puppy enjoys water, swimming is a great low-impact exercise.
Swimming: If your puppy enjoys water, swimming is a great low-impact exercise.
Bike jouring and canicross: The options are fantastic for dogs that just want to run!
Mental Exercise:
Training sessions: Short, positive training sessions keep your puppy mentally stimulated and strengthen your bond.
Puzzle toys: Food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys challenge your puppy’s mind and provide mental stimulation.
Hide-and-seek: Hide treats or toys for your puppy to find, engaging their natural sniffing instincts. You can also hide yourself!
Scent work: Activities like nosework classes or scent games tap into your puppy’s love of sniffing and problem-solving.
General Tips:
Start slow: Gradually increase exercise duration and intensity to avoid overexertion.
Pay attention to your puppy: Watch for signs of fatigue like panting or lagging and adjust activities accordingly.
Adapt to your breed: Consider your puppy’s breed and age when choosing activities.
Make it fun: Keep exercise sessions positive and engaging to make them enjoyable for both you and your puppy.
By incorporating a variety of these activities into your puppy’s routine, you can ensure they get the physical and mental exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.
