Puppies have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Many experts recommend taking puppies on at least two good walks per day, in addition to play time. The exact amount of exercise a puppy needs depends on factors like breed, age, and individual personality.
How much exercise does a puppy need?
Puppies generally need much more exercise than adult dogs. A good rule of thumb is a minimum of 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So for example, a 3 month old puppy should get around 15 minutes of exercise, twice a day. This can be in the form of walks, play time in the yard, or off-leash play at the dog park.
In addition to structured walks and play time, puppies should have plenty of opportunities to run around and play throughout the day. Puppies have a lot of energy and short bursts of exercise here and there are important.
Some general guidelines for puppy exercise needs by age:
| Age | Minimum Recommended |
|---|---|
| 2 months | 10 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day |
| 3 months | 15 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day |
| 4 months | 20 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day |
| 5 months | 25 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day |
| 6 months | 30 minutes per session, 2 sessions per day |
These are general guidelines – some puppies may need a bit more or less depending on breed, size, and temperament. Talk to your veterinarian if you are unsure how much exercise your puppy needs.
Benefits of regular exercise for puppies
There are many benefits to giving your puppy adequate exercise and play time each day:
- Burns off excess energy – This prevents destructive or hyperactive behavior
- Socialization – Gets them used to sights, sounds, people, and other dogs
- Learning – Exposure to different environments and stimuli is educational
- Bonding – Walks and play time strengthen the bond with owners
- Prevents obesity – Keeps puppy at a healthy weight
- Establishes habits – Sets a routine and expectations for exercise
- Better sleep – A tired puppy sleeps soundly through the night
- Good behavior – An exercised puppy is better behaved in the home
Puppies allowed to run around and play are generally well-adjusted, while puppies lacking exercise often exhibit behavioral problems and struggle to concentrate.
How long should puppy walks be?
Structured leash walks for puppies should start short and gradually increase in duration as they age. Some guidelines for puppy walk duration by age:
| Age | Walk Duration Per Session |
|---|---|
| 2 months | 5-10 minutes |
| 3 months | 10-15 minutes |
| 4 months | 15-20 minutes |
| 5 months | 20-25 minutes |
| 6 months | 25-30 minutes |
The pace of the walk should be leisurely, allowing the puppy to sniff and explore. Puppies should not engage in vigorous, forced exercise until they are fully grown, around 12-18 months old depending on breed.
Tips for effective puppy walks
Here are some tips to make sure your puppy walks are positive experiences:
- Use a properly fitted harness instead of a collar, to avoid injury
- Bring treats and engage in training during the walk
- Vary the route to expose the puppy to new sights and sounds
- Allow sniffing and exploration on the walk
- Practice loose leash walking
- Keep walks short and end on a positive note if puppy gets tired or distracted
- Be consistent with a routine and schedule
- Make walks fun with toys and interactive play
- Always clean up after your puppy
Providing playtime and mental stimulation
In additional to walks, puppies need off-leash playtime and mental stimulation. This is important for tiring them out and preventing boredom or anxiety when left alone. Some great ways to provide play and mental exercise include:
- Playing fetch or tug-of-war
- Letting the puppy chase bubbles or balls
- Going to a puppy play group or dog park
- Doing a puppy training or obedience session
- Using interactive puzzle toys stuffed with treats
- Giving chew toys like Kongs filled with food
- Hiding treats around the house for sniffing games
- Doing a short training or trick session
Aim for at least 2-3 play sessions spread throughout the day in addition to walks. Each session can be 10-20 minutes depending on the puppy’s age and energy level.
Signs your puppy needs more exercise
Here are some signs your puppy may need more daily exercise:
- Destructive chewing or inappropriate elimination in the home
- Constantly seeking attention or pestering you to play
- Non-stop energy and inability to settle down
- Excessive barking or whining
- Jumping up or nipping when excited
- Restlessness or pacing
- Getting the “zoomies” and running around like crazy
- Poor focus and concentration skills
Increasing daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation can help resolve these behaviors. However, make sure to rule out medical issues by discussing symptoms with your veterinarian.
Risks of under-exercising puppies
It’s important not to under-exercise your puppy, as this can lead to some serious risks and issues down the road. Potential problems include:
- Obesity and weight gain
- Joint and ligament problems
- Behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety
- Boredom and destructive tendencies
- Poor socialization with people and dogs
- Reduced overall health
- Difficulty concentrating and learning commands
- Excess energy and hyperactivity
Make sure your puppy gets adequate exercise to avoid setting them up for these problems later in life. The habits built now will carry forward into adulthood.
Risks of over-exercising puppies
It is possible to over-exercise a puppy, especially with forced exercise like jogging. Potential risks include:
- Bone and joint injuries
- Growth deformities
- Soft tissue injuries
- Exhaustion and dehydration
- Weakened immune system
- GI distress like diarrhea or vomiting
- Increased risk of illness
To avoid over-exertion, focus on positive experiences like training, exploring, off-leash play, and socialization during walks. Let the puppy determine the pace and intensity of exercise.
Meeting exercise needs in bad weather
Don’t let bad weather stop you from ensuring your puppy gets adequate exercise. On rainy days or very hot/cold temperatures, try these tactics:
- Walk in pet-friendly stores for socialization
- Go on “sniff walks” at indoor locations
- Visit indoor doggy daycares or training facilities
- Set up tunnels and obstacles indoors
- Engage in training sessions
- Provide chew toys and puzzle toys
- Play hide and seek with treats
- Organize puppy play dates indoors
You can also invest in some rain gear for you and your pup to still enjoy outdoor walks in wet weather.
Exercising a puppy alone vs with another dog
Both individual and group exercise have benefits for puppies. Solo walks allow your puppy to focus on you, work on training, and build confidence. Group play enables socialization, learning bite inhibition, and provides fun interactive stimulation.
Aim for a mix of both individual walks and group playtime several times per week. Monitor all interactions carefully and don’t force your puppy if fearful or overstimulated.
Exercising small breed puppies vs large breed puppies
The exercise needs of puppies vary somewhat by breed size:
- Small breeds: Require less overall exercise. Walks of 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily are usually sufficient, plus indoor play.
- Medium breeds: Need 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This may involve longer walks and vigorous play.
- Large/giant breeds: Require the most exercise – upwards of 60-90 minutes per day. Provide long walks and ample opportunity for running/swimming.
The breed’s energy level also matters – an energetic small breed may need more exercise than a lazy large breed. Monitor your individual puppy’s needs.
How to tire out a hyper puppy
Here are some tips to tire out a hyperactive puppy:
- Take them on sniff walks – allow them to follow scents
- Play hide and seek games around the house
- Use puzzle toys stuffed with food
- Practice training skills and teach new commands
- Arrange puppy play dates with other vaccinated puppies
- Take the pup to new locations or on car rides
- Set up tunnels, ramps, wobble boards at home
- Provide chew toys like frozen Kongs
- Play fetch games and work on recall skills
Mentally tiring out a hyper puppy is just as important as physical exercise. Training, games, and socialization will drain energy.
Exercising a puppy before and after vaccination
Puppies can begin structured walks and socialization as early as 8-10 weeks, but only in controlled, safe environments before full vaccination. Here are some tips:
- 8-12 weeks: Stick to home, yard, or areas you know are puppy-safe. Avoid public parks.
- 12-16 weeks: Can go on walks in lower-risk neighborhoods. Avoid dog parks.
- 16+ weeks: After final vaccines, walks and public places are safer.
Even before vaccines, be sure to provide mental stimulation and play at home. Gentle handling and training also provides puppy exercise.
Providing exercise while away
When you are at work or away from home, here are some ways to provide your puppy with exercise:
- Doggy daycare – Provides playgroup interaction and supervision
- Dog walker – Take your puppy out midday for exercise and a potty break
- Interactive toys – Kongs, puzzle toys, hide and seek games
- Playpen or puppy-proofed room – Provides safe space to play
- friend or family member – Ask someone to come visit and walk puppy
Puppies should not be left alone for long workdays without a break. Arrange for someone to provide exercise and enrichment during the day.
Signs your puppy is getting too much exercise
It’s important not to overdo exercise with a puppy who is still growing. Signs of over-exertion include:
- Limping or pain after play or walks
- Lagging behind and seeming tired
- Heavy panting and difficulty catching breath
- Lack of interest in playing
- Dehydration
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Sore paws or blisters on feet
If you notice these, give your puppy a day or two of rest and decrease exercise duration. Avoid strenuous forced exercise like jogging.
Mistakes to avoid when exercising a puppy
Some common mistakes to avoid when exercising puppies include:
- Using a regular collar instead of a properly fitted harness
- Forcing them to walk at your pace rather than their own
- Jogging or intense exercise before growth plates close
- Not bringing water on warm weather walks
- Exercising right after eating when stomach is full
- Taking your puppy to dog parks before fully vaccinated
- Ending walks if puppy misbehaves rather than on a positive note
- Not cleaning up after your puppy during walks
Set your puppy up for success by following positive, low impact exercise guidelines tailored to their age and breed.
Conclusion
Puppies generally require a minimum of 30-60 minutes of structured exercise per day, through two or more walks and play sessions. This helps fulfill their exercise needs while preventing behavior issues. The exact amount depends on the individual puppy’s age, breed size, and personality.
Make sure to provide both mental and physical stimulation. Take care not to overdo forced exercise before your puppy’s growth plates close. With a proper exercise regimen, your puppy will be set up for good habits, health, and happiness!
