[JOR4qxYH]

Emmett is 5 months old. Lately, since it's been so nice, he and I have been walking the trail. We walk for about an hour at a steady pace. It's good exercise for both of us and a great place to keep him socialized. Plenty of adults, children, bikes, joggers, dogs,etc.
I'm estimating the walks are about 3 miles long in length but don't know for sure cuz I haven't tracked it. Last night after about 10 minutes, Emmett kept slowing down almost to a stop and looking up to me as if to say "Can we be done??" We did manage another mile or so, and then I got to thinking...maybe we did too much this week?
We haven't run or anything, just a nice brisk walk. I haven't had a puppy in years so I'm not sure if I'm pushing him too much or not?
When we came home he commenced to wrestling with my coonhound, so I know he wasn't tired...but maybe the walks are too much for his little legs for now?

Any opinions?

[Ladbarbastirm]

I would probably cut that in half for a puppy, or stop when the pup seems to want to stop and you carry him back. I only walked about every other day for about half an hour with Goren at that age, I gradually added more time as he got older.

[AntonioMQ]

I go for about 45 minutes with Lily (7.5 months). But a lot of that time is working on obedience, so it's not all walking.
Still, when we come home, she sleeps for another 3 hours. It's not a lot of exercise, but it is a lot of stimulation, I think her brain gets tired.
I wouldn't push a puppy further than they're willing to go, especially with APBTs, since they have a way of not telling us when they've had enough.

[milfovoxapl]

I would probably cut that in half for a puppy, or stop when the pup seems to want to stop and you carry him back.

I remember carrying Bransen back on long walks, little brat still tries for it once in a while.

[JOR4qxYH]

Thanks everyone. We took last night off and will only do 30 minutes for a few months from now on. I feel stupid that it never occurred to me, prior to the other night, that walking that far would be too much for my little guy. I have no desire to have to carry 38 pounds back to my car LOL

[emuffette]

I agree with cutting the time in half, and maybe walk half and run half... I've had to carry Bella back to the house when we've gotten too far out and she was too tired.. totally not fun.

[beriarele]

I agree about cutting down the time and working up to it. Maybe you could walk some, then work on some sits and downs and stays then walk some more. You won't be going as far but the mind stimulation is as beneficial as the exercise, plus your dog will learn obedience in different places.

Don't beat yourself up for over doing it - at least you are trying to do something so great job. Just slow down until he catches up! Trust me, it won't be long and he will be keeping up with you for the whole time and then some.