For how long should I walk an 8 month old puppy?

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He's an 8 month old Dachshund X and I've had some mixed opinions on it maybe being too much, so just want to ask here 😊 thank you

5 minutes for every month until they turn one, and then for as long as you want.

So 40-45 mins.

(I have a miniature dachshund and it’s really important for their developing stubby legs 😍)

As Snittle suggested, that’s what we were told by the breeder, but the vet did say, that’s steady walking on pavements or hard surfaces. Off lead play is extra to this but again gentle play. I have labs who liked to be gladiators when young, and this was discouraged 🙄

I normally take him to fields/woodlands for around an hour or so a day and then he gets 2 around the block walks that are only about 10 mins for his poos. Would this be too much?

That sounds absolutely fine.

The five minute rule has largely been debunked. As long as you build up slowly and allow plenty of breaks (and don't just pound the pavements for ages) you'll likely be absolutely fine.

We were doing about an hour a day with our beagle at that age, plus a pavement walk in the evenings if he needed it.

Good luck finding any science to back up the '5 minute rule'. I had a hunt a few years ago and couldn't find any, and if any one could provide a link to some I'd be interested.

I wouldn't be dragging a young puppy around the pavements for hours, but lots of recall and retrieve games in the local park should be fine.

I’ve never bothered with the ‘5 minute’ rule as it’s not true. Just being sensible and not over doing it, avoiding jumping etc. Our basset has never had any issues and I’m more concerned about excess weight with little legs, so exercise is good.

My vet relative says the 5 minute rule has caused as many (but differing) issues as overwalking puppies does. Moderation is the key. I wouldn’t do more than 5 mins per month of age until a year old for a pavement walk on a lead but do longer for off lead walks and playing in the garden/park.

Couldn't agree more!

You do have to be careful if you over exercise a puppy theirs legs develop oddly, I've seen this for myself having worked with dogs for years. I'd say two half hr walks or if you want to walk longer have some breaks along the way. I have a miniature dachshund too

I did the same hunt for the science, then asked our vet and he said there was nothing to back it up. I avoided any jumping for at least the first six months.