I want to start my puppy on walks

MyValentine

I want to start my puppy on walks. He will be 8 weeks when I get him.

When should I start to walk him and for how long can I walk him before he gets tired?

I dont want to push the little guy. But I want a walking partner,
How should I start his walking with me?

Corinthian

At this age, I would limit their outside time. Since he hasn't had a full complement of immunizations he is susceptible to a host of diseases some relatively serious, some can be prevalent in specific locations.

Puppies are also funny at this age, sometimes they are full energy, but like children will go from zero to nothing in a few minutes and he'll refuse to walk. You'll have to carry him home.

Finally at this age, I would focus on other things rather than walking. Bonding with the dog, teaching him to follow and chase you, starting him on clicker. There is a lot of basic work to be done before you turn him into your perfect walking companion.

Criosphynx

I would intro him to the leash inside the house and yard...get him used to wearing it and taking it on and off, but as stated above, you can't really walk them anywhere unless they have had all their shots....you can carry him lots of places tho, so he can meet lots of people

shihtzusandwich

I brought Payslee home at 8 weeks, and started walking her the day I brought her home. I know some don't agree with this, but I think waiting till AFTER your puppy is 14 weeks or older you miss so many opportunties to socialize them to sounds, people, and smells. I only took Payslee to 'Safe' areas in my neighborhood, but by watching Rally walk, she picked up loose leash walking VERY quickly..She also slept better at night after regular walks. When we first started she would have walked over a mile..but I limited it to a few blocks at first..she of course ran the WHOLE time..I mean she just had boundless energy! So for me, it was in MY best interest and hers to exhaust some of that energy!

Mikey

I remember Mandy's first walk-walked proudly to the end of the driveway where confusion that we were not getting into the vehicle set in-so she pulled a standard husky move-sat down and refused to budge. So I carried her two blocks to the mailbox and set her down-and she adamently dragged me the two blocks back home
The second walk was better received

bullseye

I think it depends on the dog, but I wouldn't suggest you go too far as it may tire him out if he is not used to it yet. But basically, I would let him get used to being on leash first and train him a bit so he doesn't run around on his own.

We always let our German Shepherd before walked within the perimeters of our garden and he was cool. Later we walked him outside our house and guess what? he got into a fight!, scared the heck out of me.

Mikey

I don't get your point here at all?

elisabeth

I want to start my puppy on walks. He will be 8 weeks when I get him.

Walking and socializing with people, new environments and noises is great!

Ensure that where you take your unvaccinated 8 week old puppy has no dog or low dog traffic to minimize the risk of disease though.

Home gardening centres, schools, coffee shops, etc., are a great place to socialize a puppy under 16 weeks of age.

I would also ask your close friends and family members who have confident, happy, dog-friendly, good mannered and healthy dogs to come to your place for a playdate.

When should I start to walk him and for how long can I walk him before he gets tired?

Every dog is different. Stark and I went hiking when he was 9 weeks old. He slowed down and we took a break every so often but then got going again.

I always like to bring a bottle of water and collapable water dish with me, just to ensure puppy doesn't get dehydrated.

I dont want to push the little guy. But I want a walking partner,
How should I start his walking with me?

I like harnesses for puppies, less stress on their necks and joints.

I leash my puppy up, bring a toy with me and we go out for a walk.

I sometimes walk backwards calling puppy to me in a happy, fun voice (neighbours thought I was crazy), when he comes running to you, reward with praise and a play session with the toy (ball or tug - tug is big here.. lol).

I also make these kissy noises and whistles to get puppies attention and pretend to "hustle" away so puppy will follow (like playing chase).

This also builds confidence and helps with recall.

shihtzusandwich

Great Advice Elisabeth!!

fawkese1

ditto