Exercising with Your Puppy

Every day, your healthy puppy wakes up with a full tank of energy. How that energy gets spent is up to you. Channel your puppy's energy into positive outlets, and everyone will be happy. Exercising together also gives you special bonding time with your new puppy.

Why Exercise is Important

• Regular exercise helps prevent obesity and associated health risks as your pet ages, including heart and joint disease
• Frequent, scheduled walks help promote and maintain housetraining. Dogs not routinely walked and praised for good toilet habits can regress at any age
• Exercise expends energy and helps your puppy cope better with your absences. Separation-related misbehavior is reduced in dogs that are ready for a long nap by the time their owners leave
• Puppies whose physical, intellectual and social needs are met by regular exercise and activity are less prone to misbehaviors like digging, chewing, barking and nipping

Provide Safe Toys and Games

• Make sure toys are large and sturdy enough that they can't be swallowed. Discard any broken toys
• Provide a variety of toys and put them away between play sessions. Alternate toys during playtime so your puppy won't tire of them
• Puppies chew to investigate new objects and to help lose their baby teeth. Give your puppy pet-safe chew toys so your furniture, shoes and remote controls won't be destroyed
• Playing fetch is great exercise for your puppy - and great fun for you
• Avoid tug-of-war or games that encourage dogs to wrestle with or chase children and adults. These games can teach aggressive behavior
• Give your puppy opportunities to play with other dogs, especially those close in age to promote positive social behavior

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