How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?

Why Slow and Steady Builds a Stronger Dog

When you bring home your adorable, bouncy 8-week-old puppy, it’s easy to be excited about walks, playtime, and fun adventures. But behind those floppy paws and endless zoomies, your pup’s body is still developing — and what you do during the first year can shape their entire future.

In this blog, we’ll explain why less is more when it comes to early exercise, how your puppy’s joints and bones grow, and why overdoing it can cause permanent damage. You’ll also learn what activities are safe, what to avoid, and how to support healthy development tailored to your puppy’s breed and individual needs.

🦴 Understanding Puppy Skeletal Development

At birth, a puppy’s bones are soft and incomplete. Instead of fully fused joints, they have growth plates — soft areas at the ends of long bones where growth happens. These growth plates allow bones to lengthen and strengthen over time, but they’re also highly vulnerable to impact, strain, and trauma.

In most breeds, growth plates don’t close until 12 months of age — and in large and giant breeds, it can take up to 18–24 months. Until then, their joints are not designed to handle high-impact exercise, repetitive stress, or long-distance movement.

🚫 Why Overexercising Puppies Is Risky

It’s easy to assume that the more exercise a puppy gets, the better — especially if they seem full of energy. But overdoing it during this crucial growth phase can lead to:

• Abnormal bone development
• Premature growth plate closure
• Joint misalignment
• Chronic pain or early arthritis
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament injuries (ACL tears)

Unfortunately, many of these injuries develop gradually and aren’t obvious right away — meaning the damage might not be visible until your puppy is older.

✅ How Much Exercise Should My Puppy Get?

A general Australian guide followed by many vets and breeders is the:

“5-minute rule”

👉 5 minutes of structured on-lead walking per month of age, up to twice daily

🐶 Note: This is a general guide — your puppy’s individual needs may vary based on their breed, temperament, environment, and physical development.

🧑‍⚕️ Ask the Experts: Your Vet and Breeder

While the 5-minute rule is a helpful starting point, the best way to support your puppy’s development is to speak directly with:

• Your puppy’s vet – who can assess their physical development, growth, and joint health at each vaccination or check-up.
• Your puppy’s breeder – who should understand the breed’s specific growth patterns and be able to guide you on safe activities at each stage.

A responsible breeder and a supportive vet are your best partners in raising a healthy dog.

🐕 Breed-Specific Maturity Timelines

Some breeds mature faster than others — and slower-developing breeds need even more care. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Breeds like German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Groodles are especially prone to joint issues if overexercised too young.

🔄 Safe Alternatives to Long Walks

Puppies need mental stimulation, confidence-building, and light movement — not long hikes or intense fetch sessions. Here’s what to focus on instead:

Mental Enrichment:

• Snuffle mats and puzzle feeders
• Scent games (“Find It” with treats)
• Lick mats and natural chew items

Foundation Training:

• Sit, stay, and recall in calm environments
• Name recognition and focus games
• Loose-lead practice in the yard

Social Exposure:

• Supervised car rides
• Controlled introductions to new sights and sounds
• Carrying your pup into new environments (before fully vaccinated)

Environmental Safety:

• Use non-slip mats on tiled or timber floors
• Block access to stairs and furniture to prevent jumping
• Play on soft surfaces like grass, carpet, or anti-fatigue mats

📏 You Only Get One Chance to Grow a Puppy Right

As professional trainers, we know how tempting it is to keep your energetic pup entertained. But the truth is:

“You have their whole life to explore the world — but only one chance to help them grow it right.”

Taking it slow now sets your dog up for a future filled with agility, adventure, and long, pain-free walks by your side.

💬 Need Help With Your Puppy’s Exercise Plan?

The team at Jordan Dog Training can help you understand what’s right for your puppy. Our Brisbane-based trainers offer personalised training sessions, enrichment ideas, and puppy school programs designed in line with modern veterinary and behavioural science.

We’ll work with you, your vet, and your breeder to support your puppy’s physical and emotional development every step of the way.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.