The arrival of a puppy is one of the most beautiful moments of a dog owner. Of course, your four-legged friend can hardly wait to explore his new surroundings with you. However, if you take your four-legged friend for a walk too early, it can be quite overwhelming for him, both mentally and physically. For this reason, a puppy should not be taken for a walk until they are well prepared. Teach your puppy to walk gradually so that you can enjoy future walks together.
How long can a puppy run?
Young puppies love exploring their surroundings and being outside. Therefore, there is a great temptation to stretch walks. But small puppies in particular don’t yet know their own limits and, despite all their enthusiasm, rarely show that they are actually dog-tired. When walking, does your puppy lie down, lag behind, or pant? Then it may be that you overwhelmed him. You should definitely prevent this.
How long a puppy can run depends on the age of the animal. For a puppy walk, there is a handy guide to determining how long you can walk your pup. Each week your dog is old equals a minute of walking. So with an eight-week-old pup, you go outside for eight minutes at a time.
How often do I have to let a puppy out?
So that your four-legged friend can let off steam and become housebroken, he should be out in the fresh air regularly. Do you notice that your puppy is acting restless? Then this might indicate that your little four-legged friend has to do his business. A young puppy, aged two to eight months, should get some fresh air four to five times a day. During a walk, your puppy can become a real whirlwind.
As an owner, it’s important to curb your lively pup’s curiosity a bit so that a walk is and remains a pleasure for both of you. Observe the surroundings very closely while walking your puppy and choose a varied terrain. Let your little four-legged friends play with other well-socialized, not too wild fellows.
Letting puppies out: a practical scheme
If you want your puppy to be housebroken quickly, having a clear schedule for going out can help. Especially in the first few weeks after the puppies move in, a time orientation is very practical. Let your pup out every three to four hours in the beginning. Preferably after dinner, after a nap or after playing. Puppies should also be able to fulfill their need at night. Small dogs have a small bladder. This is why you should take your pup out once or twice a night. As your puppy gets older and housebroken, the nighttime outings should gradually decrease.
Old
pee break
Minimum number of outlets per day
8 weeks
Every 2 hours
12x
12 weeks
Every 3-4 hours
6-8x
16 weeks
Every 4-5 hours
5-6x
20 weeks
Every 5-6 hours
4-5x
6 months
Every 6-8 hours
3-4x
7 month
Every 12 hours
3x
Game crazy – but please check
Young puppies love to play and romp for hours. Of course that’s totally cute, but you shouldn’t forget that your four-legged friend is in the middle of his growth. Make sure your dog doesn’t get too excited and determine when playtime is over. When going for a walk and romping around, make sure that your four-legged friend does not overdo it so that its muscles and body can develop optimally. Want to learn more about your puppy’s health, care and development? Then read all about it in our puppy magazine!