Hi everyone,

I got a new puppy just over a month ago and he had his last jabs on Friday. The vet says to wait a week before taking him for walks (can't come soon enough for me- he's so full of energy! )

He's a small dog, Bichon crossed with possibly Chihuahua, only weighs 1.7kg with short legs and is 13 weeks old. How far should he be walked when we first start? I know there are limits with bigger breeds to prevent joint problems but I've not heard of it for small dogs. Obviously I'd like to tire him a bit but don't want to do any damage. Should have asked the vets when I was there but forgot. Was thinking 15 mins twice a day to start with. Does that sound reasonable?

Just because he's cute, here's a picture

TIA

It's years since I had a puppy but 15 minutes twice a day doesn't seem enough to me.
If you are taking him on a lead he will probably still only use a fraction of the energy he does in 5 minutes tearinlg round the house or garden. Personally I think it is more about building tolerance to the lead. You could start low and build up as you see how you go and not go too far from the house initially.

My little dog is coming up for 8 months, he's a Yorkie but a big boy for a Yorkie. I started off slow with him and the built up the the distances gradually. I found the decision was made for me though because he would tire more easily when he was younger and then gradually was able to go farther.

The most important thing at this stage is getting him used to being on a lead and training him. When my pup was smaller, if he got tired he would asked to be picked up and carried. Now he goes mad if I try to pick him up and carry him.

Given he is so tiny, too. Your little pup.

What you are suggesting sounds fine to me to begin with. If he needs more exercise then increase it of course. If he gets tired, decrease it. They are so inquisitive at that age so it depends on what you are going to do with him in those 15 minutes. Will you be walking or will you be letting the puppy play about and sniff his surroundings?

I don't think there is a set answer to your question. Start off with an arbitrary walking time and increase or decrease as necessary. The socialisation aspect is very important, too of course.

I started with mine just taking him a very short distance to begin with then gradually increasing. But that's not to say I did it the 'right' way. I just did what I thought was best.

This might help.

https://uk.pedigree.com/puppy/caring...o-puppies-need

Given the size and age of your pup 15 mins take a day sounds plenty for now. You can increase gradually as he gets older. Puppies can overexert themselves quite easily as if their enjoying themselves they don't know when to stop. I would also be more concerned with getting him used to a lead and walking nicely in all honesty, and rather than actual walks I'd be merely walking up and down the lane outside the house so he gets used to being on lead. There's plenty of time for proper walks later on. He's absolutely gorgeous, definitely got chihuahua in there, you can see it in his face and ears.

Thanks everyone. Great advice, I'll play it by ear until I know how far he wants to go. I think that allowing a puppy/dog to take in and enjoy their surroundings is as important as actually just marching along for however long to get their exercise.

He's actually pretty good on the lead. My back garden is enclosed so he tears around like a loon for 5 minutes before coming back in and sleeping. Parents garden isn't escape proof so when he's been over there he has to be "walked" round the garden. Not to say that he'll be like that once out and about though At least with him being small if we do go a bit far he's easy enough to carry back.

When mine was a pup to vet suggested around 5minutes for each month of life, she said their bones are growing and they need to gradually build the muscles to support them.

Try telling that to an energetic pup. I would say 15 minutes is enough for now, you'll get to know how much is enough after a gentle start.

Don't forget the poop bags and treats for when your little pup does a pee or a poop outside for positive reinforcement!