Once your puppy pushes himself up on all fours, finds his forward gear, and hits "go," there’s no slowing him down. He’ll frolic and fumble and run and roll, until he finally flops down and falls, protesting all the while, into a deep sleep. It’s part of his hardwiring to exercise his body in preparation for adulthood. And while so many human children now substitute video games for athletic games, dogs have no intention of going soft. Unless you force them.
You don’t have to urge your puppy to exercise, but if he’s all alone, you do need to give him a reason. There’s only so much playing by himself he can do. Play fetch, tug, and just run with abandon—but don’t push him. Until his bones are fully formed, which is at about 1 year of age depending on breed, you can do more damage than good by making him run and jump on tired legs. That means no marathons, and if you’re out for a walk and he gets tired, you need to either take a break or get ready to carry him home.
Obesity is not just a problem for people in America; it’s the most widespread health problem among dogs. By starting with games that burn calories, you teach your dog fun ways to exercise that he can enjoy later in life, when he tends to become more sedate, his metabolism slows, and he puts on weight. Once his bones are mature, you can also start an exercise program that should help keep him trim both by burning calories and raising metabolism.
Exercise isn’t just essential for its physical rewards. It’s essential for behavioral well-being. Puppies are bundles of energy, and they’re going to expend that energy on something. Better for them to spend it on running and playing than on inappropriate chewing and destroying. Frustrated dogs become more destructive when left on their own, and they can be so eager to finally get the chance to exercise that when you take them for a walk they drag you around so much you never want to do that again. Even at home, they can be so hyperactive they tend to get shut away in a crate or yard, a situation that only makes them more unmanageable when they finally get out. Exercise is one of the first prescriptions for bad behavior.
Don’t let it get to that point. Make exercising your dog a habit right from the start. He’ll be a better companion, a healthier adult, and you’ll be happier and healthier for joining him. So get up, get going, and get fit!
