I have recently purchased a cocker spaniel puppy that is now 15 weeks old. I read somewhere on the notice board that you should not exercise them too much. But how much is too much and why is this?

At that age most of the exercise they need will be gained running around the garden. The only real reason for taking them out is from the socialising point of view. A little walk of a couple of hundred yards or so is quite enough. Try to vary the walk. Along to the local shop to see plenty of people, to a busy road to see traffic. (Not to fast and frightening!) Maybe a trip to the local Dog Club to see other dogs. When my young Labrador was that age she spent half an hour at a small exemption show (most of it asleep on my lap!) but it all helps to show your puppy just what the world consists of.

The reason for the restricted walking is because at that age the bones are still very soft. The hip bones (the pelvises) in particular are susceptible to damage. So gradually scale the exercise up over the course of the first year or so.

Regards, John

Just to add to what John has already said. A Cocker does not need anymore than running around your house and garden until about 6 months of age - then you should start taking him/her for short walks as John suggested. By the time s/he is fully grown - about 8/9 months then you can take the dog for longer walks. They don't need huge amounts of exercise anyway - but will walk as far as you let them. 30-40 min's a day is enough. You can still do lead training - but in your garden - or your local park - but beware of too many distractions.

The amount of exercise your dog needs will also be influenced by how much your dog eats and how quickly they work off their food. My Cocker for example is not a typical Cocker in that he does not eat all that much - he is not the hoover we were expecting - so he is a little on the thin side - to much exercise can make it worse. But if you have a dog that eats loads and seems to store it as excess body fat - more exercise will be needed - so judge your dog. Also if you can - go back to the breeder for advice - they are usually very good and helpful.

John is quite right about the reason why - it can seriously affect bone growth and give rise to ongoing problems and pain for the dog.

The main reason for getting them out is again as John has said - socialising. Expose the pup to as many situations and common place experiences as possible. You can walk him a little to gain this experience - but carry him for the rest. It all helps your dog be settled and confident when he meets new things.

Do enjoy your new friend - I hope you have many happy years together - I know we love ours to bits and are about to get another pup ourselves. They are really super little dogs.