I have been following the 5 mins per month rule for my now 6 month old Lab pup.  But I thought it was per walk - not per day so he has been having at 5 months approx 20-25 mins walk twice a day.  Is this too much for him and will I have done him any damage in giving this much?

I just assumed it was per walk not per day!

Thanks

Hi, we followed that aswell doing 2 walks of the appropriate time, but doing 1 off lead where she could run about and the other on lead and a more gentle plod! We tried doing it just once a day, but found she was charging about indoors and around the garden which was looked liked she would do more damage than a steady walk as it would mean she would sometimes slip on the wood floor. As soon as we changed it to 2 separate walks the charging around indoors stopped.

I agree - I think 2 walks is better as he would be so bored with just one per day and he is definately a full on sort of boy!  I always thought it was per walk not a total for the day but I could well be wrong!  It would hardly be worth going out of the house if say now at 6 months he was allowed only 30 mins in total per day.  I did follow the rule per walk for our previous dogs and they had no problems but they weren't the same breed, very confused!

I'd say with a Lab size dog, be very careful until the growth plates have closed at approx 18 months, because damage to open growth plates will potentially cause a life time of problems. 25 mins or so, twice a day should be fine at 6 months but I would recommend a 45 minute maximum until 18 months (twice a day, with good resting time in between should be okay.) It is very difficult but well worth it in the end. If he develops a growth problem, he may end up with surgery, arthritis &  permanently restricted exercise.  Safe not sorry and those months will soon pass.

Yes he has been over walked the mistake has already been made so don't fret too much, id cut down the walks for now and up the play time to balance out the difference; as he isn't a giant breed I think he should be alright. Just make sure he doesn't get over weight as an adult or as he is growing as this will also put a strain on his joints.

>I think 2 walks is better as he would be so bored with just one per day and he is definately a full on sort of boy!

I don't agree that he needs two walks but it's clear that he needs some extra stimulation and brain work.  Do you take him to training classes?  A short training session will do much more to tire him out than a walk will.  You can also have play sessions with him in the garden.  It's really helpful to teach your dog that you are a source of fun and it's another thing to add to your recall toolkit when the "la, la, la paws in my ears" phase hits.

Remember to continue your socialisation too and take him to new and interesting places so that his walks are mentally challenging as well as an opportunity to let off steam.  At this age it's tempting to think your dog is ready for much more but too much exercise isn't wise :)