Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges—one of which is making sure your new furry friend gets the right amount of exercise. Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, and they need plenty of physical activity to grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults. But figuring out the ideal exercise routine can be a bit overwhelming, especially since every puppy is unique. The key is to find the right balance between playtime, training, and rest to ensure your puppy grows into a strong and well-behaved adult dog.
With the help of animal behaviour expert Trish McMillan, MSc, CCPDT, we’ll walk you through the essentials of puppy exercise, providing you with 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 general puppy exercise guidance, this article will help you set up a routine that benefits both you and your pup.
How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?
Puppies require different amounts of exercise as they grow, and their needs can vary significantly by breed. Generally, a puppy needs about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. For instance, when your puppy is three months old, you should exercise them for 15 minutes a day. When they’re six months old, you should exercise them for 30 minutes a day.
The amount of exercise a puppy needs will also vary depending on the puppy’s size and breed. For example, larger, active breeds like Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds 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. We’ve made a quick chart covering 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 |
How Far Should a Puppy Walk?
Although there are many ways to exercise your puppy, walking is great for stimulating both their minds and bodies. As puppies grow, their ability to walk longer distances increases. But it’s important to gradually build their stamina and not over-exercise them at a young age.
So, how do you know how long you can walk your puppy? A good rule of thumb is to walk a puppy for about five minutes per day per month of age. For example, a three-month-old puppy can usually walk for 15 minutes, equating 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
Remember that walking isn’t just about distance. It’s also about allowing your puppy to explore the world around them, so be sure to factor in plenty of time for sniffing and socialisation. 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.
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 behaviour and adjust walking distances 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 |
Is two walks a day enough for a puppy?
So how do you determine how many walks per day is sufficient for your puppy? The ideal number of walks your puppy needs will depend on their breed, age, and energy level. You can start by establishing a routine that includes shorter, more frequent walks throughout the day, allowing your puppy to burn off energy and engage with their surroundings. 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 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 for walks after they’ve completed their initial vaccination schedule, which is usually 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.
“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 socialise safely.”
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, it’s best to avoid public parks and high-traffic areas where other dogs frequent, as these places pose a risk of infection. There are still plenty of ways to exercise your puppy before they’re fully vaccinated, including playtime sessions inside your home or in the safety of your own garden if you have one.
“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. Interacting with other dogs is an excellent way to exercise your puppy, as it 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 garden 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 puppies and encourage natural instincts.
As your puppy gets older, McMillan recommends incorporating some aerobic exercises into your dog’s routine. “This is less important for baby puppies in their first weeks home, but by four to 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?
So how do you know if your puppy is getting the right amount of exercise? The best way to find out is by carefully observing their behaviour and energy level throughout the day. Below are a few signs that 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. “An under-exercised young dog may appear overly easy to excite,” says McMillan. “They may grab at pant legs or leads, and they may do wild ‘zoomies’ around the house.”
A few other signs might include:
- destructive behaviour, like excessive chewing and digging
- trouble sleeping
- weight gain beyond what’s expected
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
It’s important to watch for signs that your puppy might be getting too much exercise, as overexertion can be harmful to their developing bodies. 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.
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
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
- they sleep well through the night and take 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 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.
