Walking/running with a Jack Russell puppy

Question
We have a 7-week old Jack Russell puppy.  We got him when he was 6 weeks
old because his mother was ready for him to go.  He has grown a lot in the
past week, but I have been trying to get him to go for short walks (with a
leash).  He would prefer to just run around the yard (without a leash) or stop
to sniff everything in sight.  I know Jack's are good exercise dogs, so I am
wondering what an appropriate timeline is for taking him for walks?  What are
appropriate distances for his age as it changes?  How much do I let him stop
and sniff and how much should I get him moving by pulling on the leash?
Thanks for your insight!  

Answer
Hello Carrie,
He is still a little young to be away from his litter mates - a puppy shouldn't leave the litter until AT LEAST 8 weeks old no matter who tells you differently. The last few weeks are very hard on the breeder because of the mess and noise and many breeders like to get rid of the pups early because of it. My puppies don't leave here until 10 weeks old. There is a lot of socialization and learning going on during those last few weeks that is crucial to the development of the pup. The mother was certainly not ready to let him go, but the puppy is lucky to have YOU because you already care enough about him to ask these questions!!

You're absolutely correct about Jacks needing exercise but at this tender age, long walks are not needed or recommended. Right now he needs lots of love and socialization with people and other dogs. Short walks (about 10 minutes twice a day) are enough and you can increase those walks as he gets older. He is still very young and will be sleeping a good portion of the day. You'll see that he will be awake for longer periods of time and you can increase the walks and playtimes as you see fit. You'll be able to tell if he's had enough. It's different for each dog, so you'll have to be the one who learns about him and read his signals. By the time he is one year old a good hour long walk twice a day is great and lots of running and playing in the yard will keep him happy. When you exercise him it gets rid of alot of pent up energy and he will be much more content and happy dog. He's almost ready to start house-training but usually they don't remember much until after 8 weeks of age.

What I do with my dogs when I take them for a walk is give them about 10 minutes to investigate and sniff around etc... and then shorten the leash and do the walk. Walk with a purpose, head high, moving forward constantly, no stopping. When the walk is done, give him a little down time to sniff around and then inside for water.

You'll be able to tell by his energy levels how long is long enough, because every dog has a different energy level. You'll see by the time he is a year old, he will be very athletic. You will be the best judge as you learn more about him.  

The Jack is such an awesome breed and you will have great fun with him! They are very loving and committed and want to please you! Training early is very important, so keep up the great work!

1.) Two ten minute walks right now.
2.) Increase to 20 minutes in about a month
3.) PLENTY of outside play and people/dog socialization (go to a dog park and get him used to other dogs, very important).
4.) Increase walk time by gauging his energy level

You'll both do great!
Best of luck with him.