Puppy exercise
Yes you absolutely can exercise a puppy too much – and many new pet parents don’t realize this until they’ve already made this mistake! As someone who’s raised several puppies (and made plenty of errors along the way) I want to share what I’ve learned about proper puppy exercise. Too much activity can actually harm your growing pup’s development, while too little can lead to behavioral problems.
The Truth About Puppy Exercise Needs
When I brought home my last puppy, a Golden Retriever named Max, I thought I was doing him a favor by taking him on long walks and letting him run until he was exhausted. Boy, was I wrong! What I didn’t understand was that puppies need the right KIND of exercise at the right TIME in their development.
According to experts at the American Kennel Club, puppies naturally regulate their activity when allowed to play freely They’ll run when they want to and rest when they’re tired But when we force them to exercise on our terms – like on leashed jogs or extended walks – we might be doing more harm than good.
Why Over-Exercising a Puppy Can Be Harmful
Puppies’ bodies are still developing, and their bones and joints are particularly vulnerable. Here’s why too much exercise can be problematic:
- Growing bones have soft growth plates that need time to harden properly
- Musculoskeletal development can be affected by too much high-impact activity
- Joint damage may occur that doesn’t show up until later in life
- Physical exhaustion can compromise their immune system
- Mental burnout is just as real for puppies as physical tiredness
I learned this lesson when my previous dog developed joint issues as an adult, which my vet suggested might have been partly due to too much forced exercise as a puppy. Trust me, you don’t want that guilt!
The Right Amount: The 5-Minute Rule
So how much is enough without being too much? Veterinary researchers recommend what’s commonly called the “5-minute rule”:
Puppies should get about 5 minutes of structured exercise (like walking) per month of age, once or twice daily.
Here’s what this looks like in practice:
| Puppy Age | Maximum Walk Time |
|---|---|
| 2 months | 10 minutes |
| 3 months | 15 minutes |
| 4 months | 20 minutes |
| 5 months | 25 minutes |
| 6 months | 30 minutes |
This doesn’t mean your puppy can only be active for these short periods! Free play in a safe environment where they can choose to rest is different from forced, continuous exercise.
Different Exercise Needs Based on Breed and Size
Not all puppies are created equal when it comes to exercise requirements. As Laurie C. Williams, Owner and Director of Training at Pup ‘N Iron Canine Enrichment Center points out, “The amount and type of physical exercise a puppy needs will vary depending on the individual dog as well as its size and breed.”
A tiny Maltese puppy has very different needs than a Lab puppy of the same age. Generally:
- Small breeds mature faster and may handle more activity earlier
- Large and giant breeds need more protection for their developing joints
- Working breeds often need more mental stimulation alongside physical exercise
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may have breathing limitations during exercise
My friend has a Border Collie puppy who needs tons of mental challenges, while my sister’s Basset Hound puppy is perfectly content with shorter, less intense activities. Know your breed!
When Can Puppies Start More Vigorous Exercise?
If you’re an active person like me, you’re probably wondering when your puppy can join you for those longer runs or hikes. Here’s when puppies can typically handle more vigorous exercise:
- Small breeds: Around 6-8 months old
- Medium breeds: About 12 months old
- Large breeds: Between 12-18 months old
- Giant breeds: Not until 18-24 months old
I made the mistake of starting too early with my previous dog, and I regret it now. Be patient – you’ll have years to enjoy active adventures together once their body is ready!
Better Exercise Alternatives for Puppies
Instead of long walks or runs, try these puppy-friendly activities that provide physical and mental stimulation without the risks:
Mental Exercise Games
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for puppies – and it’s often overlooked! Here are some of my favorites:
- Food puzzles – I swear by these! They keep puppies occupied and mentally stimulated
- “Sniffari” walks – Let your puppy lead and sniff whatever interests them
- Hide-and-seek with treats or toys
- Simple training sessions – 5-10 minutes of learning basic commands
- Scavenger boxes – Hide treats in egg cartons or crumpled paper
We do “find it” games with our puppy where we hide treats around the room, and he loves using his nose to discover them. It tires him out just as much as physical play!
Safe Physical Activities
For physical exercise that’s safe for growing puppies:
- Supervised free play in a fenced yard
- Short walks on soft surfaces (avoid concrete when possible)
- Gentle tug games with appropriate toys
- Fetch with rolling (not bouncing) balls to avoid jumping
- Play dates with vaccinated, gentle dogs
My puppy particularly loves playing with a flirt pole (like a giant cat toy for dogs), which lets him chase and pounce without running long distances.
Warning Signs You’re Over-Exercising Your Puppy
How do you know if you’ve done too much? Watch for these signals:
- Excessive panting that doesn’t subside after rest
- Lagging behind during walks
- Lying down during activities
- Stiffness or limping after exercise
- Reluctance to move or play the next day
- Behavioral changes like irritability
One time my puppy seemed unusually tired after what I thought was a moderate play session. The next day, he was reluctant to go up stairs. That was my wake-up call to scale back and be more mindful of his limits.
Building Up Exercise Gradually
Just like us, puppies need to build endurance gradually. Here’s my approach:
- Start with very short activities on soft surfaces
- Increase duration and intensity slowly over weeks and months
- Watch your puppy’s body language for signs of fatigue
- Allow plenty of rest between exercise sessions
- Remember that play counts as exercise too!
My current puppy gets two short structured walks daily, plus several brief play sessions, and some training games. It’s a balanced approach that keeps him happy without overtaxing his developing body.
The Importance of Rest and Recovery
What many new puppy owners (including myself in the past!) don’t realize is that rest is JUST as important as exercise for puppies. Young puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day!
After play or training, make sure your puppy has a quiet place to rest undisturbed. I’ve noticed my puppy sometimes gets “overtired” like a toddler if he doesn’t get enough downtime, resulting in the infamous “zoomies” or cranky behavior.
Creating a Balanced Exercise Routine
The perfect puppy exercise routine balances:
- Physical activity appropriate for their age
- Mental stimulation and enrichment
- Social interaction with people and other dogs
- Plenty of rest periods
Here’s what works for us with our 4-month-old puppy:
- Morning: 20-minute walk (following the 5-minute rule), plus 5 minutes of training
- Midday: 10 minutes of indoor play and puzzle toys
- Afternoon: 10 minutes of free play in yard
- Evening: Another short walk and gentle play session
Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity
After raising several puppies (and making plenty of mistakes along the way!), I’ve learned that quality exercise matters more than quantity. A 10-minute sniffing adventure or training session can be more beneficial than a 30-minute forced march.
Remember, puppyhood is short but the effects of over-exercise can last a lifetime. Be patient, follow the guidelines for your puppy’s breed and size, and enjoy these precious months of development without rushing them.
Your puppy will thank you with a lifetime of healthy, active companionship!
Have you found the right balance of exercise for your puppy? What activities does your puppy enjoy most? Share your experiences in the comments below!
What type of exercise is appropriate for puppies?
Play, short walks and training are all great activities to build your puppy’s fitness, strength, confidence and social skills. Here are some top tips for exercising your pup:
- Play, play, play: Playing with your pup at home and in the garden is a great way to keep them physically and mentally active. Just keep in mind that they also need lots of sleep, so allow them to rest when they get tired. Take a look at our PDSA pet store for suitable toys for your puppy.
- Walking: Walks are a lovely way to exercise your pup, but it’s crucial that they’re fully vaccinated before they start going out. Puppy walks are mostly about exploring the world and experiencing new sights, sounds and smells in a positive way. Always build your pup’s walking stamina gradually and if they get tired, stop to let them rest until they’re ready to walk again – and don’t forget to leave them with enough energy to get home!
- Running around: It’s fine to let your puppy run around freely at their own pace at home and in your garden, but it’s not appropriate to take them out for a run because it’s too intense for their growing bones. If you are keen to take your dog running once they are fully grown, check out our blog on how to get running with your dog.
- Training: Teaching your pup some basic commands is a great way to keep their mind stimulated, and can be just as tiring as playing/going for a walk. Remember to keep sessions short and enjoyable and let your pup rest once they’ve had enough. For more information, take a look at our advice on basic training for puppies.
- Thinking activities: Keeping your puppy’s mind active is just as important as physical exercise. You can do this by making them puzzle feeders and snuffle mats – it’s a great way to keep them out of trouble!
How much exercise does my puppy need?
Exercising your puppy is crucial, but it’s also important not to over-exercise them while they are growing. This is because their joints need time to mature, and their growth plates need to fuse before they are ready for high intensity exercise/high impact activities. Too much exercise while your pup is young could result in permanent damage to their joints and bones, which has the potential to cause conditions such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. On the other hand, restricting their exercise too much can lead to be boredom and frustration, so it’s important to do what feels right for your pup based on their age, size and breed:
- Age: The older your puppy gets, the more exercise they can do. Just remember to always keep an eye on them and encourage them to rest if they show signs of getting tired.
- Size: It’s important to know roughly how long your dog will be growing for, because until they are fully grown, their joints and growth plates will be at risk of damage if they do too much exercise. Most dogs are fully grown by one year of age, but larger breeds such as Greyhounds, Labradors, Dobermans and Great Danes can take as long as 18 months to 2 years to reach full size!
- Breed: Are they at risk of joint problems? It’s especially important to exercise your puppy sensibly if they are a breed that’s at risk of joint conditions such as hip dysplasia. If you are worried about your puppy’s joints, avoid high intensity activities, discourage them from jumping up and skidding, and speak to your vet for advice.
- Lifestyle: Feeding your puppy a healthy diet is just as important as exercise when it comes to their growing bones, because carrying additional weight on their body can put pressure on their joints. For more information on how to feed your puppy a healthy diet, take a look at our advice.
You may have heard about the 5 minute rule (5 minutes of exercise per month of age) – it’s important to know that there’s no scientific evidence behind this rule, and although it might work for some, it’s not appropriate for most puppies.
How long can you Exercise a Puppy? | Veterinary approved
FAQ
How do I know if I’m exercising my puppy too much?
Signs your puppy is over-exercised include stiffness, limping, lethargy, excessive panting, reluctance to move, and behavioral changes like irritability or anxiety. Other indicators are sore paw pads, signs of dehydration such as dark red gums or excessive drooling, and general signs of exhaustion that last beyond normal recovery time. Over-exercising can also lead to long-term joint problems, so it’s crucial to monitor your puppy and provide a balanced mix of rest and activity.
How much exercise is too much for a puppy?
What is the 5 minute rule for puppies?
A general guide for exercising puppies is to allow them one to two sessions of five minutes walking for each month of age, so for example, a four month old pup could enjoy walks of 20 minutes at a time, once or twice a day.
What is the 7 7 7 rule for puppies?
The 7-7-7 rule for puppy socialization is a guideline for exposing young puppies to a variety of experiences to build confidence and prevent fear or anxiety. By seven weeks of age, a puppy should have experienced at least seven different people, seven different locations, seven different types of toys, eaten from seven different food bowls, been on seven different types of surfaces, had seven different experiences, and been on at least seven short car rides. This early, positive exposure helps a puppy develop into a well-adjusted, adaptable adult dog.