Puppies are balls of energy and usually it is hard to keep them still! When we think of how to tire out puppies, we usually assume long walks or off lead running are the go to methods to wear out our fury friends. Did you know that as puppies grow, their bones are still developing so too much walking, running and impact on their joints can cause issues in the future?

The guidance for exercise in puppies is 5 minutes of walking for every month of their life. This means a 3 month old puppy should be having only 15 minutes of walks a day, which as we know is not likely to make our little friends sleep!

Puppies need around 15-20 hours of sleep a day up to 6 months old, this drops to 14-16 hours between 6 – 18 months, then they still require 12-14 hours when they are adult dogs. Once your dog is past 18 months old it should have stopped growing and you can take them on long walks even hikes if they can manage it. 

• Mental stimulation (exercising the brain not just the body) is one of the best methods for entertainment; activities such as lick and snuffle mats, play feeders, toys, training and sniffing when out on walks – but have you ever considered Physiotherapy?
  
  
• Physiotherapy is not just for rehab but can help puppies to:
  Be mentally stimulated
  
  
• Build and strengthen muscle to help support joints
  
  
• Improve proprioception (awareness of where limbs are placed)
  
  
• Help detect early signs of issues – such as hip dysplasia
  
  
• Be comfortable and used to handling by veterinary professionals
  
  
• Strengthen their bond with you as their owner