- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Figuring out the ideal exercise routine can be a bit overwhelming, especially since every puppy is unique. Over or under-exercising may impact your puppy’s personality, development, and overall health. However, balancing a puppy’s exercise needs can feel tricky.
For example, a puppy cannot walk outside until they’ve had all their vaccines, around 16 to 18 weeks of age. But you still need to get your puppy tired and socialized — so how can you meet their exercise needs?
With the help of animal behavior expert Trish McMillan, MSc, CCPDT, we answer all the questions about puppy exercise. Learn walking rule of thumbs, practical tips, and fun activities that suit your puppy’s unique needs. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed as a new puppy parent or you’re just looking for some guidance, this article will help you set up an exercise routine that benefits both you and your pup.
How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?
We’ve put together a quick chart that covers exercise time guidelines for your puppy depending on their age, size, and breed.
| Age (Months) | Small Breeds | Medium Breeds | Large Breeds |
| 2 | 10-15 minutes per day | 15-20 minutes per day | 20-25 minutes per day |
| 3 | 15-20 minutes per day | 20-25 minutes per day | 25-30 minutes per day |
| 4 | 20-25 minutes per day | 25-30 minutes per day | 30-35 minutes per day |
| 5 | 25-30 minutes per day | 30-35 minutes per day | 35-40 minutes per day |
| 6 | 30-35 minutes per day | 35-40 minutes per day | 40-45 minutes per day |
| 7-8 | 35-40 minutes per day | 40-45 minutes per day | 45-50 minutes per day |
| 9-10 | 40-45 minutes per day | 45-50 minutes per day | 50-55 minutes per day |
| 11-12 | 45-50 minutes per day | 50-55 minutes per day | 55-60 minutes per day |
Generally, a puppy needs about 5 minutes of exercise per day per month of age. However, what puppies require will also vary significantly by breed and size.
For example, larger, more active breeds like Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds may require more exercise than smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds.
“All dogs are individuals, and exercise needs to be tailored to these individuals in consultation with the vet and with input from breed experts if you have purebred dogs,” adds McMillan.
It’s important to remember that exercise for puppies doesn’t just mean walks. It can include playtime with toys, training sessions, and interacting with other dogs as well.
How Many Miles Can a Puppy Walk?
Walking is a great way to stimulate both their minds and bodies. For puppies grow, it’s important to gradually build their stamina and not over-exercise them at a young age.
A good rule of thumb is to walk a puppy for about 5 minutes per day per month of age. For example, a 3-month-old puppy can usually walk for 15 minutes, which equates to about half a mile, depending on their breed and individual energy level.
Puppy walks might not start out very structured, and that’s okay. Photography by Adri via iStock
Below is a general guideline on how far your puppy can walk based on their age. Keep in mind that these distances can vary significantly depending on your puppy’s breed, size, and temperament.
Ultimately, the best approach is to observe your puppy’s behavior and adjust walking distance as needed.
| Age (Months) | Distance: Small Breeds | Distance: Medium Breeds | Distance: Large Breeds |
| 2 | 0.1 – 0.2 miles | 0.2 – 0.3 miles | 0.2 – 0.4 miles |
| 3 | 0.2 – 0.3 miles | 0.3 – 0.4 miles | 0.3 – 0.5 miles |
| 4 | 0.3 – 0.4 miles | 0.4 – 0.6 miles | 0.4 – 0.6 miles |
| 5 | 0.4 – 0.5 miles | 0.5 – 0.7 miles | 0.5 – 0.7 miles |
| 6 | 0.5 – 0.6 miles | 0.6 – 0.8 miles | 0.6 – 0.8 miles |
| 7-8 | 0.6 – 0.8 miles | 0.8 – 1.0 miles | 0.8 – 1.0 miles |
| 9-10 | 0.8 – 1.0 miles | 1.0 – 1.2 miles | 1.0 – 1.2 miles |
| 11-12 | 1.0 – 1.2 miles | 1.2 – 1.4 miles | 1.3 – 1.5 miles |
Walking is also about enrichment and exploration
Remember, walking is not just about distance. It’s also about allowing your puppy to explore the world around them. Be sure to factor in plenty of time for sniffing and socialization.
Let your puppy choose the pace, and avoid any high-impact exercises like running until your puppy is older and their bodies are fully developed.
“It’s important to monitor younger or less fit puppies, and give them breaks or rest periods when they seem tired,” says McMillan.
Is two walks a day enough for a puppy?
The ideal number of walks your puppy needs will depend on their breed, age, and energy level. This means some dogs may do better with four 10-minute walks a day while others benefit from two 30-minute walks a day.
To know what your puppy needs, you can start by establishing a routine that includes shorter, more frequent walks throughout the day. Then adjust the routine as needed based on your puppy’s age and stamina.
As your puppy matures, they may require longer walks and more varied activities to stay mentally and physically stimulated. If your puppy still has plenty of energy after two walks, consider adding play sessions in between your walks or add another brief stroll to your schedule.
Remember to balance physical activity with rest. Much like humans, puppies need sleep for their physical and mental development.
When Can Puppies Go for Walks?
Puppies can typically start going on walks after they’ve completed their initial vaccination schedule, around 16 to 20 weeks of age. Vaccinations are crucial for protecting puppies against diseases such as parvovirus and distemper, which they can pick up from contaminated areas.
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, it’s best to avoid public dog parks and high-traffic areas, as these places pose a risk of infection.
“Most of the scary diseases are transmitted from poop to mouth, so anywhere that a sick dog may have pooped can be dangerous to an unvaccinated puppy,” says McMillan. “Your veterinarian can tell you what diseases are circulating in your area and help you figure out how to train, exercise, and socialize safely.”
There are still plenty of ways to socialize or engage your puppy with the world before they’re fully vaccinated.
“Carrying your puppy in your arms or a carrier or taking them for a stroll in a dog stroller can also expose them to the sights and sounds of your world without putting them at risk,” adds McMillan.
If you and your puppy are playing tug of war, remember to tug gently, as your puppy’s teeth, jaw, and mouth are still developing. josephgruber via iStock
Other Ways To Exercise a Puppy
There are plenty of safe and fun ways to exercise your puppy besides walking. Here are a few ideas:
- Playdates with other puppies. You can set up puppy playdates in a sanitized space. Interacting with other puppies lets them learn important social skills and engage in energetic play.
- Tug or fetch. A fun game of tug of war or chasing after a bouncing ball in the yard are other ways to mix up your pup’s exercise routine. Depending on your puppy’s size, these types of games can be done inside as well. “Just remember to be gentle, keep toys at spine level (don’t lift the puppy when tugging), and add in a bit of brainwork (for example, training or searching for toys rather than just throwing the toy in a repetitive manner,” advises McMillan.
- Swimming. If your puppy is fully vaccinated, swimming is a great low-impact exercise option, especially for breeds that enjoy water like Labrador Retrievers. “If the water is deep enough to carry the puppy away, a lifejacket is important for their safety,” adds McMillan.
- Interactive toys. Some toys, like puzzle toys and treat dispensers, are designed to mentally stimulate your puppy and encourage their natural instincts.
As your puppy gets older, McMillan recommends incorporating some aerobic exercises into your dog’s routine. “By 4-12 months old, most dogs are itching to move their growing bodies, and leash walks at human speed are rarely enough to give these young athletes a decent workout,” she says.
“I like my young dogs to run freely at least once a day until they are panting. This might be dog play, free running in a field, or a bit of tug, fetch, or flirt pole interspersed with obedience training.”
McMillan also recommends Puppy Culture’s age-appropriate exercise poster, which includes other ideas on different types of exercises for young dogs.
Is My Puppy Getting Enough Exercise?
The best way to find out if your puppy is getting enough exercise is by how they act. Carefully observe their behavior and energy level throughout the day based on the signs below, which outline if your puppy is under-exercised, over-exercised, or properly exercised.
Signs your puppy isn’t getting enough exercise
If your puppy isn’t getting enough exercise, they might show signs of restlessness or boredom. A few other signs might include:
- Destructive behavior, like excessive chewing and digging
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain beyond what’s expected
“An under-exercised young dog may appear overly easy to excite,” says McMillan. “They may grab at pant legs or leashes, and they may do wild ‘zoomies’ around the house.”
If your puppy sleeps well, it’s a good sign they’re getting enough exercise. golfyinterlude via iStock
Signs your puppy is getting too much exercise
Overexertion can be harmful to a puppy’s developing body. Some signs of over exercising are:
- Excessive panting even after play has stopped
- Limping or stiffness, indicating possible muscle strain or joint stress
- Reluctance to play, preferring to rest instead
- Refusal to walk
A puppy’s growth plates, which are areas of developing cartilage tissue located at the ends of long bones, are relatively soft and more vulnerable to injury. As puppies reach adulthood, the growth plates harden and transform into solid bone. Until this happens, though, you should avoid putting too much strain on your puppy’s joints.
Signs your puppy is getting the right amount of exercise
If your puppy is getting the right amount of exercise, you’ll notice a balance of activity and rest. Signs that your puppy is getting just the right amount of exercise include:
- After playtime, your puppy is relaxed and content.
- Your puppy maintains a healthy weight.
- Your puppy sleeps well through the night and takes naps during the day, without being overly tired.
- Your puppy has the right amount of playful energy, ready for activities without being hyperactive or sluggish.
“If you think your pup has had enough exercise, a good test is to put your dog in a crate or pen with a chew or puzzle toy, and see if they fall asleep quickly,” says McMillan. If they do fall asleep in spite of the fun objects around them, it’s a good sign they’ve received enough exercise and play time for the day.
