The saying goes, ‘a tired dog, is a well-behaved dog’. And any puppy pawrent whose only chance for peace and quiet is when their puppy is snoozing, will agree there’s some truth to it!
A dog’s energy levels can depend on several things including their size, their breed and of course their age. Puppies are known for what seems like their unlimited amounts of energy whatever their breed and size, which can lead to some rather naughty behaviour.
So, how can you make sure that after a long day, your puppy is just as tuckered out as you are? We’re here to provide you with some expert advice on the best ways to tire out your puppy as well as all the benefits of doing so.
Honestly, how can something so small be full to the brim with so many beans?
Puppies have so much energy for a wide variety of reasons. Being so young, the world is just so exciting and new, and they’re simply hyperactive from exploring and learning things about their environment. Plus, their body is constantly growing, sometimes going through growth spurts, which takes a lot of energy to balance out.
On top of this, we probably don’t need to tell you that puppies LOVE to eat. Whilst we see the results of this all over your puppy pads, they will also need to burn it all off through zoomies and the odd game of tug of war. When they’re struggling to find ways to release their energy, you may end up with a bored or frustrated pup, which is where problems can begin.
Signs of puppy boredom include;
Tiring out your pup and combatting their hyperactivity is a great way to keep them calm and mischievous behaviour at bay. But what else is it good for?
Keeping your pup entertained and occupied brings about many benefits that can make your life and your puppy’s even sweeter!
These include:
The amount of exercise a puppy needs will align with their size, breed and age! The older they get, the more exercise they will need.
It may take a few more minutes of play for bigger breeds to get tuckered out, but the main rule of thumb is that puppies should get around 5 minutes of play time/exercise for every month of their age, up to twice a day.
So, a 2 month old puppy will need a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise either in one go, or split up across the day.
One of the simplest ways to tire out your pup is to get them moving!
There are plenty of ways you can entertain and play with your puppy, that’ll have them zonked out in your arms in no time.
Being so young, whilst constantly learning and growing, it’s no surprise that mental stimulation can impact your puppy’s energy levels just as much as a run around the house would. Meaning, putting their brains to the test and facing them with some head-scratching (and tail-wagging) activities and games, can also result in a pooped pooch.
Some effective methods of mental stimulation you can use with your dog include;
As much as you want to make sure you have a calm, settled and zen-like pup by the end of the day, there is such a thing as an over-exercised and overstimulated puppy.
Breed and size will play a part in how much exercise and play your pup can take. For instance, smaller breeds won’t be able to run around for as long as a bigger dog breed can. So, always keep this in mind and adapt your methods of play and mental stimulation according to your pup’s stamina.
When it comes to tiring out your pup with socialisation and introducing them to new environments, always be cautious that you’re not overwhelming them. Introducing them to too much at once could create a negative experience, which might cause nervousness and anxiety in the long run. Just always be sure to keep an eye on your puppy, and acknowledge their boundaries and when it’s a good time to go home.
For puppies 12 weeks old and up who are tackling the new world, be sure to consider our Calming Probiotic Meaty Treats. With delicious Turkey, calming Hemp and Valerian Root, these high-reward treats can help them keep their focus as well as their cool.
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