I'm walking my 12 week old yellow lab puppy regularly, but just short distances. I'm wondering what is an appropriate distance for the puppy.

I don't think a mile or 2 would hurt. Don't force it. It should still be small enough to pick up and carry if it gets tired. Do try to stay out of areas that might be contaminated by poorly cared for, diseased dogs. Avoid hot pavement and make sure it has plenty of water and wet it down if it seems hot.

See the sticky for more new puppy info at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251802

Hi there over here in good old blighty the kennel club suggest o
Minuite walk for each week of the puppies life as many times a day as you need to take it out i.e. after meals or walking up I reckon a mile or two may set it up for lameness in the future. Also if you start to pick it up and carry it when it gets tired it will always expect this not so funny with a full growm animal. Good luck with the puppy I hope it brings you many years of joy

I was thinking a mile or 2 may be longer than I usually walk a 12 week old, but I have expensive experience, I am talking over a dozen puppies, taking puppies for long walks from 7 weeks, carrying them when needed. None of them have ever wanted to be carried after they were too big, and as for my Aster needing anti pain pills now, I highly doubt walking her less in 1993 would have avoided it. All my puppies have been X-rayed at a year old, and been OFA good or better. I have lost contact with many of them, but none of the ones I know of has had to quit as dog guides prematurely due to joint problems or refusing to walk. I also know dozens of others with the same experience. Spare me speculative criticism.