Puppy Care Guide

Week 46 – Managing Your Puppy’s Energy Expenditure

Your puppy is now 46 weeks old — just one month away from adulthood! This period is defined by boundless curiosity and overflowing energy. Managing that energy properly is key to raising a calm, confident, well-balanced dog.

⚡ The Importance of Energy Expenditure

At this age, the world is an endless playground — every leaf, sound, and scent is an invitation to explore. Just as a child thrives on active play, your puppy depends on consistent physical and mental engagement to stay healthy and happy.

A short daily walk may not be enough. From your perspective, it feels adequate — but from your puppy’s, it might leave too much energy unspent. This surplus energy needs a positive outlet before it turns into frustration or misbehavior.

🚫 The Consequences of Pent-Up Energy

When dogs don’t have enough opportunity to burn off energy, it doesn’t just vanish — it builds up as internal stress, which inevitably shows up in behavior.

Destructive chewing on shoes, furniture, or fabrics
Excessive barking or whining
Hyperactivity and difficulty settling
Mouthing or nipping during play

💡 PetGo Tip: These are not “bad behaviors” — they’re signs of unmet physical or mental needs.

The Solution: Consistent and Varied Activity

The key is not just long exercise sessions, but a mix of frequency, variety, and consistency. Provide several short bursts of movement throughout the day — walks, fetch, tug games, scent puzzles, or short training drills.

When you give your dog structured outlets to release energy, you’ll notice fewer unwanted behaviors and a calmer home atmosphere. Regular engagement also strengthens your bond — your dog learns to follow your lead and mirror your calmness.

Two or three moderate walks per day
Short indoor play or training breaks between naps
Interactive feeding (snuffle mats, food puzzles)
Weekend adventures — new parks, trails, or playdates

💤 The Benefits of Deep Sleep

After expending energy through play, training, and exploration, dogs experience true restorative sleep — the kind that supports growth, recovery, and emotional balance.

Deep sleep boosts memory, improves learning, and stabilizes mood. It’s nature’s reward for an active, fulfilled day.

🌿 A Shift in Perspective

It’s perfectly normal for an 11-month-old dog to feel like a ball of energy. Instead of seeing this as a challenge, view it as an opportunity — each walk, play session, or training game shapes your puppy’s future personality.

Through active engagement, you’re teaching patience, building trust, and creating the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog. The time you invest today returns a lifetime of calm companionship.

Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide

Track walks, play sessions, and rest patterns using the PetGo App. Smart reminders and daily logs help you maintain a healthy balance of activity and relaxation for your growing dog.

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