Hi, my Border Terrier puppy is almost 12 weeks old and full of energy. He plays with his toys and balls in the garden for hours on end, and yesterday we took him out for his first walk, which was around 20-30 minutes in length (at his own pace, with plenty of opportunity to stop and sniff every blade of grass).

Can anyone with experience of the breed tell me if 30 minutes lead walking twice a day is too long at this age? He was still full of energy when he got home yesterday, but I don't want to over-exercise him if that will do him harm in later life.

Your advice would be much appreciated!

at 12 weeks old he's getting more than enough just playing in the garden, the rule of thumb is 5minutes lead walking per month of life, so at 12 weeks 15minutes, but really for socialisation and training purposes... although he's a small dog they can still get problems (including slipping patellas) so best not to overexercise at this stage - this means no stairs/jumping out of cars etc - so I'd hold back on the lead walking if I were you until he's older

I'd say it's a bit too much, 10 / 15 minutes a walk should be enough tbh, and then play in the garden and lots of fun training / brainwork will wear him out and keep him happy.

Couldn't agree more , I speak to so many new puppy owners , out with them on the school 'run' walk....we car and noise socialise , stand on a busy street /corner .Ringcraft or training club , then little fete fun shows get them used to all sorts of things .

the 5 minute per month of life rule should be your guide.

All outings at this stage are for learning about the world and not about exercise at all.

Of course ti doesn't mean you only go out for 15 minutes, just restrict the lead walking to that length of time, then 20 minutes at 4 months half hour at 6 months and so on.

Thanks to everyone for the input...will ensure most of his exercise is romping around the garden for a while!