Tiny Paws: Exercising Your Puppy Safely

Regular exercise once your puppy is cleared for the outdoors will help them stay strong and fit. However, it’s also important to not over exercise your puppy- as their bones are still forming as they grow.

We understand your dilemma as a pup parent- too much exercise leads to joint damage, but not enough exercise and your puppy will become frustrated and bored (which can lead to unwanted naughty behaviour!). So, we’ve put together a short guide to exercising your puppy in the safest way possible.

If you’re concerned about your puppy’s joints, or they are a breed susceptible to joint conditions- always seek advice from your vet.

Firstly, we would always recommend exercising your puppy according to their breed and size, as well as their age (the older your pup gets- the more exercise they can do!). The average size of your pup’s breed once they are fully grown can help determine how often you need to exercise them.

For example, most small and medium breed dogs reach adulthood at 12 months. But larger and giant breeds such as Labradors, Dalmatians, Greyhounds and Dobermans may not reach adulthood until they turn 2!

How do I exercise my puppy?

The best way to encourage good exercise habits and keep boredom at bay is to bring in elements of fun! This is especially important before they can leave the house. Simply playing with your puppy at home and in your garden will help keep them physically active as well as mentally stimulated.

Once your puppy is free to roam beyond the garden wall, it’s time for walkies! It’s important to build up your puppy’s stamina whilst out walking, starting with short walks. This will also help your puppy become familiar with their local environment.

Remember to kit out your puppy for walkies with the appropriate accessories such as puppy harnesses, leads and more.

Training can also be a great form of exercise. It keeps your pup active in short bursts and helps them learn new skills, keeping their mind and paws stimulated.

How do I spot the signs of over exercising?

The signs of over exercising aren’t always visible whilst your puppy is growing, that’s why it’s crucial to get off on the right foot and regulate their activity as soon as they come home with you.

If you’re looking for more advice on puppy exercise and training- you can speak to our experts at your local store, or online via our Pets Chat service.