Expert: Delores Beck - 7/8/2009

Question
I have an 11 week old cocker spaniel who is needing lots of excercise IE walked 4 miles in 1 day is this not to far for such a young pup? she didnt tire at all I did I must say. People where I live are saying it is but she still tearing round the house at 11 at night. We play with her and she is in a crate. My worrie is that she gets used to hiking miles every day and I work full time and not always have the time to hike miles what do you think how much and often should the walks be for ?
Many thanks Michelle

Answer
That's a long walk at her age.  And she hasn't finished her puppy vacs yet so I'd be very, very careful about letting her near other dogs.

I'd tend more to doing 1/2 hour twice a day.  Routine is your friend with a puppy :)  So in the morning, take her outside for potty training (praise & reward) then breakfast and a bit later, her walk.
At this age they need to be fed 5x a day and taken outside constantly to institute housebreaking.

Don't "put" her out - take her and watch for the signal she's about to go - that's when you give your command "go potty" (or whatever word you want to use).  When she does go - lots of praise and treat.

So, yes 4 miles is too much and I wouldn't do that much at one shot.
They tend to be extremely active - then sleep.  Then repeat.

Who is looking after her when you're at work? She shouldn't be crated all day. And what are you feeding her?
Delores