Experienced puppy/dog owners, please help!

[CatMumsw]

I’ve never had a dog before, much prefer cats!

My brother is away with his family for a long weekend and their house sitter has got Covid and can’t do it anymore. I’ve stepped up to fill in so they don’t miss out but I am SO out of my depth.

The dog is so cute, about 5 months old, very food orientated. I’ve taken him for a walk, but don’t feel confident to let him off lead in case he doesn’t come back. He’s also very bouncy and we’ve played lots of fetch and tug at home.

It was all very stressful for my bro and SIL so I think they were just glad there was someone here, and haven’t left much in the way of instruction.

Is there anything else I should be doing to keep him happy and well-cared-for? Is 2x 20 mins walk okay for a little spaniel?

General rule for walking puppies is 5 minutes per month of agefor each walk. So a 20 minute walk would be fine. www.yourdog.co.uk/dog-care-and-advice/puppy-advice/how-long-should-i-walk-my-puppy-for/
Bran training tires them more than physical exercise, so games at home should help. Have you had him overnight yet? Does he sleep well, or cry? You may need to let him out to do a wee or two, as puppies only have small bladders.

It sounds like you’re doing great.

Puppy’s can have 5 mins for every month of their age length walk so 25 mins twice a day is fine. Let him do lots of sniffing to wear his brain out

Try some brain activities

• fill a loo roll with kibble/treats, fold it over and let him work out how to get it out

• ou 7 month pup has always loved a scattering of kibble with finely chopped treats thrown across the floor or an ice cube to play with

Tonight is the first night! He has a crate that I have to put him into when I go to bed, so will see how it goes! He’s had a few wees outside but I keep taking him out just in case.

Thank you for the reassurance xxx

Sounds like you’re doing a great job! 2x 20 mins is perfect, I let my 4 month old puppy off his lead and he does come back but I wouldn’t worry about letting him off.

Does he have anything like a Kong toy or any chews as they would buy you a bit of peace 😂?

My best piece of advice is to play sleep music if he’s unsettled at night.