Puppy play and exercise

Like all kids, growing puppies love playtime, but did you know that they also need regular exercise? While play keeps your puppy mentally alert, exercise helps keep your puppy in shape and helps prevent obesity and some destructive behaviors.

Daily requirements, your puppy needs a minimum of 20 minutes of daily playtime, plus an additional 20-30 minutes of exercise each day. Playing with your puppy strengthens the bond between you and helps him become more at ease with people. Try playing catch, fetch, or throwing a ball. Experiment with different puppy toys — you'll soon discover what your puppy likes to do. For his 20-30 minutes of daily exercise, try a walk or a jog with your puppy. He'll love going to new places — and can benefit from getting used to new sights and sounds. All you'll need is a good collar and a lightweight nylon or leather leash.

Chewing behavior, a combination of play and exercise can also help you control the chewing and mouthing associated with teething puppies (3-6 months old). Give your puppy a good choice of chew toys and praise him for chewing on these objects. Play with him and his chew toys — rotating the toys every week — so they keep him interested. And if you catch your pup chewing on something that is not his, clap your hands to get his attention and in a loud voice say "no." Immediately replace the wrong object with one of his toys, and praise him after he begins chewing on it.

Play and exercise basics, 20 minutes of daily playtime 20-30 minutes of daily exercise a variety of chew toys puppy collar and nylon or leather leash.