When it comes to exercising your new puppy...At 8 weeks old, it's all about keeping it light and fun. Short play sessions are perfect, as they help build their energy and curiosity without overwhelming them. Simple games like fetch or gentle tug-of-war can be great ways to engage them. Each month, you can extend your puppy's amount of exercise a little more.
Socialization is also key at this age, so consider taking your puppy to safe, controlled environments where they can meet other dogs and people. For meeting new dogs, its always recomended to interact with dogs you are familiar with that are tolerant of puppies. Puppies are very impressionable and a negative experience with a dog can negatively imprint on them. Until your puppy recieves his/ her last vaccine around 18 weeks of age, avoid high traffic dog areas such as dog parks and pet stores. Just t a few minutes of exploration can be exciting and beneficial for their development.
Remember, the goal is to make exercise enjoyable and not too strenuous. Always keep an eye on your puppy's energy levels and take breaks as needed. Their little bodies are still growing, so it's important to avoid overexertion. Avoid stairs, jumping off of anything higher than a foot off the ground, and slippery surfaces. These things can cause future joint and bone issues. With the right balance of play and rest, your puppy will thrive and develop a love for activity!
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