How Much Exercise Does A Puppy Need?
Are you a new dog parent wondering how much exercise a puppy needs?
If so, you’re in the right place! Adding a new dog to your family is always exciting.
Get ready for days filled with joy and new experiences.
One key part of puppy care is figuring out their exercise needs.
Making sure your puppy gets the right amount of exercise is crucial for their health, growth, and overall well-being.
In this guide, we’ll cover the following (click the links below to jump to that section):
Understanding Puppy Energy Levels
Puppies, especially the little ones, are bundles of energy.
They need more exercise than adult or senior dogs to burn off their excess energy and avoid any naughty behaviour.
This is because puppies are naturally more active.
They need regular physical activity to stay healthy and happy.
For example, border collies, known for their high energy, will need more exercise sessions compared to toy breeds like Shih Tzus.
As a general rule, the younger the puppy, the less demanding the exercise should be.
Age-Specific Exercise Guidelines
8-12 Weeks:
At this early stage, your puppy's exercise should focus on light play and short walks.
Keeping sessions short and fun will help prevent overdoing it.
Aim for about 5 to 10 minutes of activity at a time, a few times a day.
This is also a great time to introduce your puppy to new environments and basic socialisation through playdates or dog parks.
3-6 Months:
As your puppy grows, their exercise needs will ramp up.
A four-month-old pup might enjoy longer play sessions and short walks, so aim for around 20 minutes per session.
This period is crucial for building their stamina, and it’s the perfect time to introduce activities like basic training sessions and obstacle courses.
6-9 Months:
As your puppy nears six months, they’ll have more stamina, meaning they can handle longer and more vigorous exercise.
Aim for 30-45 minutes of activity per session, including longer walks and some serious play.
Just be careful with very strenuous exercise; you need to protect their developing joints, especially for larger breeds like Great Danes.
9-12 Months:
By now, your puppy is getting close to adulthood.
Their exercise needs will start aligning with those of adult dogs.
They can handle up to an hour of exercise, including more challenging activities and longer walks.
This is a great time to introduce more complex training exercises and regular play sessions to keep their minds and bodies engaged.
12-18 Months:
For many breeds, 12-18 months is the transition to adulthood.
Exercise needs may vary based on the breed.
Typically, they can handle about an hour or more of physical activity each day.
High-energy breeds, like Border Collies, might need more vigorous exercise, while smaller breeds or those with health issues may require less intense activities.
Related: Winter Blues: Can Dogs Get Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Types of Exercise for Puppies
Playtime:
Playing interactive games is a brilliant way to provide both mental stimulation and physical exercise.
Toys that promote play, like fetch balls or tug ropes, are really effective.
Play sessions help develop coordination and social skills.
Walks:
Getting your puppy used to regular walks is essential.
Start with short distances and gradually increase them as they grow.
A 20-minute walk can be a great starting point, but make sure the surface is soft to protect their developing joints and growth plates.
Training Sessions:
Incorporating training into exercise routines is a great way to teach your puppy new tricks while providing mental stimulation.
Training can be a fun and effective way to use up some of their excess energy.
Socialisation:
Letting your puppy meet other dogs and people in a safe environment helps them develop their social skills.
A visit to the local park or dog park can be a perfect opportunity for this.
Related: How to Train Your Dog With Anxiety?
Recognising Overexertion and Rest Needs
It’s important to know your puppy’s limits.
Signs of overexertion include excessive panting, reluctance to continue playing, or limping.
Puppies need rest to recover after physical activity, so balancing exercise with enough relaxation time is key.
Let your puppy set their own pace, and be cautious with high-impact activities, especially for larger breeds or puppies with soft growth plates.
Tailoring Exercise to Breed and Size
Exercise needs can differ quite a bit depending on your puppy’s breed and size.
For example:
Large Breeds (e.g., Great Danes, Giant Breed Puppies):
These puppies should avoid intense exercise to protect their developing joints.
Focus on low-impact activities and short, gentle walks.
High-Energy Breeds (e.g., Border Collies):
These pups need more intense and frequent exercise.
Activities that engage both their physical and mental abilities are the best choice.
Toy and Small Breeds (e.g., Shih Tzus):
Smaller dogs typically need less exercise than larger breeds.
Short walks and indoor play sessions are usually sufficient.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Dogs With Separation Anxiety Need Exercise
Conclusion
Getting the right amount of exercise is vital for your puppy's physical and mental health.
Understanding their unique needs based on age, breed, and energy levels is essential.
This will help you create a balanced exercise routine that supports their growth and development.
Remember to start slow, keep an eye on your puppy’s response, and adjust their activity as needed.
Regular exercise is crucial for keeping your puppy at a healthy weight and contributes to their overall happiness and well-being.
If you’re unsure, consult your vet for tailored advice to keep your new puppy healthy and happy in their early years.
How much exercise has your puppy been getting lately?
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