The Puppy Workout Plan: How Much Exercise is Too Much?
They are cute, cuddly and oh so destructive, with endless energy and a knack for getting into mischief….but who doesn’t love a puppy?!
As a rehabilitation practice, we don’t treat a lot of puppies, however we are still asked a fair number of questions about them, typically when their fur siblings are in for their rehab sessions. Exercise is essential for puppies, but just like with human toddlers, too much (or the wrong kind) can be detrimental. So let’s dive into some of the recommendations that we typically provide to puppy owners, to ensure that their new family members are getting enough activity to satisfy their mental and physical needs, without putting them at risk of injury.
The Science of Puppy Exercise: Growth Plates & Joints
Puppies aren’t just tiny versions of adult dogs—their bones are still growing, and their joints are forming. Growth plates (the soft areas at the ends of long bones from which the bones grow in length) remain open until around 12-18 months, depending on breed size. Excessive impact before these plates close can lead to long-term orthopedic issues, such as joint instability and arthritis. Alternatively, appropriate exercise strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and helps burn off all that puppy energy in a safe way.
Different breeds have different growth rates, and as such, have different exercise requirements. Large and giant breeds, such as Great Danes and Mastiffs, have slower growth plate closure and require extra care in managing their exercise routines. Overexertion in early months can exacerbate the progression of developmental conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation.
How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?
A general rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day (ie a 3-month-old puppy = 15 minutes of structured exercise per session), however this doesn’t mean a strict stopwatch is required—we always recommend monitoring your puppy’s energy levels and adjusting accordingly. Although it seems like they can run forever, extended periods of high-intensity activity, like chasing older dogs for hours or endless rounds of fetch, should be avoided. Instead consider breaking up exercise sessions with more mentally stimulating activities to prevent overexertion and keep your puppy engaged. And remember that as with any exercise program, rest and recovery are just as important as exercise—puppies sleep a lot because their bodies need time to grow and repair.
Best Types of Exercise for Growing Puppies
Leash walks: Short walks several times a day, allowing for sniffing and exploration. Keep them controlled and gradually increase duration as your puppy matures.
Puzzle play: Engages their brain while reducing physical strain. Activities like snuffle mats and treat-dispensing toys provide both mental and physical engagement.
Off-leash play in controlled areas: Helps develop coordination and balance. Playtime with well-matched, gentle canine friends can be beneficial for social development. Even better is a puppy training or socialization class run by an experienced trainer that can match your puppy to others of similar age and size.
Low-impact strength training: Think gentle incline walks, standing on different surfaces, and slow controlled movement. These activities build core strength and coordination. It is always best to consult your veterinarian or a rehabilitation practitioner before starting a strengthening program if you have any early concerns about your pups’ mobility.
Swimming (if safe & supervised): Great for joint-friendly cardio! Swimming reduces impact on joints while providing a full-body workout. Make sure your puppy wears a life jacket for safety until they become a stronger and more confident swimmer.
Hide-and-Seek games: Encourages problem-solving skills while allowing natural movement patterns without excessive strain.
Soft surface exploration: Walking on sand, grass, or mats helps strengthen stabilizing muscles without excessive joint stress.
What to Avoid
Forced running or excessively long walks: Endurance training is for fully grown dogs. Puppies are not built for prolonged or repetitive stress.
High-impact jumping (ie on and off furniture): Too much strain on growing joints. If possible, provide ramps or assist puppies with getting on and off higher surfaces.
Repetitive activities of any kind: Abrupt stopping and twisting can place a lot of excessive strain and torque on developing soft tissues and joints. Stick to rolling a ball on soft ground or grass rather than high-speed chases.
Rough play with larger dogs: This should go without saying, but smaller puppies can be easily injured by larger playmates. Always monitor play sessions and intervene if needed.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Puppy Exercise
Do:
✅ Encourage natural, self-directed movement and play.
✅ Keep sessions short and fun to avoid overexertion.
✅ Pay attention to signs of fatigue (slowing or laying down, disinterest)—puppies need lots of rest!
✅ Offer a variety of activities to prevent boredom and overuse injuries.
✅ Allow your puppy to have calm downtime to develop a balanced activity/rest cycle.
✅ Consult your veterinarian or rehabilitation professional for breed-specific advice.
Don’t:
❌ Push your puppy beyond their comfort zone.
❌ Assume they can keep up with adult dogs on hikes or jogs.
❌ Encourage roughhousing or aggressive play.
❌ Assume that all puppies have the same needs—different breeds and individual puppies have varying exercise tolerances.
❌ Ignore signs of limping or stiffness (if in doubt, get it checked out!).
❌ Skip rest days—recovery is just as important as playtime.
Final Thoughts: Happy Puppy, Healthy Future
Puppyhood is short but crucial in laying the foundation for a healthy, active life. By keeping their exercise balanced, varied, and appropriate for their age, you’ll set them up for success—without unnecessary strain on their developing bodies.
So go ahead, enjoy the zoomies, embrace the wiggly walks, and remember: a tired puppy is a good puppy, but an appropriately tired puppy is even better!
Proper exercise doesn’t just help your puppy’s physical development—it supports their emotional well-being, strengthens the human-animal bond, and builds confidence. By tailoring their exercise routine thoughtfully, you’ll be raising a well-rounded, happy, and healthy dog who is ready for a lifetime of adventures with you!
Got a question about your puppy’s exercise routine? Reach out to your veterinary rehabilitation team for guidance!