Hi I am from Delhi, India. Where I live it is hot for about 7 months a year, very dusty and there are a few street dogs around. I have a four month old puppy and I am taking him out for walks everyday (about 20 minutes). Is this sufficient or less? At times he just wants to run back home, does it mean he is tired? I have not been taking him with a leash, he is inclined to go running after people and has to be pulled back. He also goes sniffing into garbage etc etc. Although I do carry treats in my pocket and treat him whenever he follows me or walks with me. Kindly tell me whether how to make him walk with me and not go running after people. Should his paws be cleaned every time I bring him back home?
Hi satyajit, Most people in the UK would only take their puppy out of their home and garden if on a leash, unless they were going to a safe place such as a park or enclosed area. If your puppy is not close to you when you are out, you will not be able to teach him such things as "leave" so easily, and he is at a very big risk of eating something that is harmful from the garbage - chicken bones, or something else that could be toxic to him. It is probably a good idea to teach him to leash walk around your home and garden area, as safety is really important, and when young, this is the only way you can ensure he is safe. Other people might teach an "off lead heel" first, but this is people probably more in the country where leashes may be used less. If you are somewhere hot, it is better to walk early in the morning and later in the evening when it is a bit cooler, but he won't need much exercise right now, not until he is older. It IS important to "socialise" him though, to get him used to people and cars and children, all the things you might come across on walks when he is older. Sometimes when they are little it is better to walk out carrying your puppy (in an open carrying bag/backpack/sling if necessary) and to take a seat somewhere, and just watch people and vehicles passing to get him used to things. I don't know if that helps at all. jac
