How long should a 12 week old puppy walk? Here’s What to Expect

How Much Time Can My 12 Weeks Old Puppy Walk?

Generally speaking, a 12 weeks old puppy can walk up to 15 minutes.

The general rule of thumb when it comes to puppies, which you may have heard of before, is to walk 5 minutes for every month. 12 weeks are almost 3 months. So it’s around 15 minutes.

Your puppy, theoretically speaking, should be able to walk 15 minutes. However, it varies from puppy to puppy. You should keep an eye on and monitor your baby’s energy when walking.

If you notice he’s not enjoying it, then it’s time to go back home.

Unlike walking an adult dog, puppy walking all depends on the puppy.

How Far Can Your 12 Week Old Puppy Walk?

A 12 week old puppy can walk up to ten miles. It is imperative to let your pup set the pace. However, at 12 weeks, dogs should be getting around 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be split into sessions to account for their energy levels.

The initial three months of a puppy’s life are the most important for socialization. During this time, puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli, and environments as possible while avoiding overstimulation, which manifests as excessive fear, withdrawal, or avoidance behavior.

It is considered safe to walk your new pup anywhere between half a mile and ten miles. However, your walking distance depends on your puppy’s energy levels. It is imperative to let your pup set the pace of your walks.

Furthermore, at 12 weeks, dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be split into sessions to account for fatigue.

However, each puppy is unique, and there are several considerations to take when determining the ideal walking distance for your pup. Before making any changes to your new pet’s lifestyle, it is best to consult with your veterinarian.

What Type of Leash Should I Use for My Puppy During Walks?

The best dog leash will help you control your dog better and make both of you comfortable while doing it.

It should be around six feet long to keep it from dangling loosely on the ground. You also want to consider a strong clip made of metal to ensure its longevity.

We have the best dog leash recommendations for you to check out.

How far can a 12 week old puppy walk?

AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.

I’ll never forget the look my puppy obedience class trainer gave me when I told her proudly that my puppy had gone on a two-mile hike with me. As she explained, puppies, especially large-breed puppies, should not be exercised too much, as over-exercising could cause joint and bone problems, and two miles was definitely too much for my three-month-old dog.

While I never made that mistake again, it did leave me with a few questions. Just how much exercise is too much for a puppy, and how do you know when enough is enough?

There is a lot of debate in the dog world about puppies and exercise. Veterinarians, breeders, and trainers all seem to agree that too much exercise is just as bad as not enough, but there is no set formula for calculating your puppy’s progress.

While it would be nice if there were a 100-percent-accurate chart you could look at that broke down puppies by breed and age and explained how much exercise they needed each day, complete with mileage and a puppy activity tracker, the reality is more complicated.

Veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly points out that some of this confusion stems from a combination of a lack of scientific studies and a variety of personal opinions. She compares the debate about puppy exercise to the ongoing debate about exercise, sports, and children – there are many different approaches to exercise, and each has its ups and downs.