How much walking is too much?

[brandynq]

I have a fox terrier mix that's about 5 months old now and a little over 9lbs. Since we've been able to go on walks (after he got all his shots) we've gone twice a day at 8am and 6pm. Each walk lasts at least an hour. Lately he's seems pretty tired and today at around 5:15 I noticed that he had fallen asleep. I decided to just let him nap and now it's almost 7 and he's still sleeping. Am I walking him too much? I wanted to make sure he was tired so he's not so hyper when I'm gone during the day but he just seems too tired. Should I walk him only once? Or should I cut the time in half?

[Adrienne]

I would say that is way to much walking for a young pup. At that age it is best to just let them set the pace for how much exercise they need, ie. playing in the yard or a quick jaunt around the block. Too much stimulation will cause a puppy to "crash" (pass out) it just becomes to much for them. How far are you walking in an hour? I walk two miles in 20 minutes so if you walk anything like I do that would be about 5 miles for the little pup.

[brandynq]

I don't really know how far we walk. But I'd imagine it's pretty far because we walk fast.

[Adrienne]

Way to much in my opinion which is based on research. Let him grow up a bit before doing power walking like that, you may injure him.

[brandynq]

So should I go one walk a day or just two shorter ones?

[Adrienne]

For a terrier I would still go with the two walks a day, just a lot shorter. Maybe 15-20 minutes and of course have play sessions often!

[gaddylovesdogs]

Yes, that does sound like a little to much for a pup, especially a small breed. Try taking him for shorter walks and then playing with him like Adrienne suggested. I know what it's like to have a terrier mix - I've got one - they're just full of energy!!

[AiredaleLover500]

Because your pup is still alittle young, not that young though, keep walks brief. Since your dog's a puppy it's bones are still growing. Hope that helped!

[Saje]

I'd still keep with the two shorter walks. Or maybe one walk and one play date at the dog park or with a friend? IMO puppies should be playing more than walking. We never walked maverick so much as let him frolic on the beach. He monitored himself pretty well.

[moe]

I always work on the five mins to the month so if a dog is 5 months the max he should be doing is 25mins walking, at that age, just playing in the garden is ample exercise.

Mo