Just like all dogs, puppies need exercise to stay happy, healthy and calm.
However, it’s super important that this exercise is suitable for their dinky bodies. Although a puppy’s energy levels may seem through the roof, this means they’re at risk of overdoing it and potentially hurting themselves, so it’s up to you as a dog owner to help them get it right.
In this article, we’ll go through the safest ways for your puppy to get that crucial exercise, and offer some guidance on the ideal duration of walkies for puppies.
We probably don’t need to tell you that there are endless benefits to dogs getting regular exercise - and that extends to puppies too.
Physical exercise of any kind has a whole array of benefits. It improves skeletal and muscle development at this critical stage of a puppy’s growth, it boosts a pup’s cardiovascular system, and when combined with mental stimulation, it improves cognitive function.
Walkies have the added bonus of getting your pooch used to the outside world and also helps them to socialise with other dogs.
Not only that, keeping active beats boredom in puppies, meaning they’ll behave better and probably sleep soundly at night. What more could you want?
So we know that puppy exercise is essential, but there’s an art to getting started. How long should puppies' first walks be?
As a general rule of thumb, the length of walk must be in line with a pup’s age. You can do this by multiplying the age of your puppy (in months) by five minutes. So, a three month old puppy can walk for up to 15 minutes, twice a day.
Check out our easy chart below for quick reference. Note, this method applies from when puppies can safely walk (usually from around 3 months old, after they’re fully vaccinated).
In the chart below, check the age of your pup with their ideal walk length. This is a general guideline, so ask your vet if your puppy has specific needs.
| Age | Ideal Walk Duration |
|---|---|
| 0-12 weeks | No walks. Especially without vaccinations; if the pup goes outside, it should be for gentle exploring and play in the garden. |
| 3-4 months | 15-20 minutes. Start with slow, gentle walks in safe areas. |
| 4-6 months | 20-30 minutes. Gradually increase time outside and try diverse terrains. |
| 6-9 months | 30-45 minutes. Increase duration of walk as the puppy grows in confidence. |
| 9-12 months | 45-60 minutes. Now your puppy is almost a year old, they can walk for longer. |
| 1 year+ | 1 hour +. When your puppy is over a year old, walks can be up to an hour or more. |
As you may have realised, it is possible for your puppy to puff themselves out! Not only will overexertion distress your pooch as they’ll feel truly exhausted, it can also be physically detrimental to their development. But, you should always remember that the amount of exercise your pup can withstand will depend on their size and breed - with working and larger dog breeds having higher energy requirements.
At this early age, a puppy’s skeleton has soft growth plates at the ends of their bones which can be damaged if they’re put under too much stress. Remember that your puppy’s developing body needs care and protection - and take it easy when exercising your pooch so they’ll be safe from accidental injuries.
It should also be considered that repetitive on-lead walking or jogging on a hard surface (like a concrete path) is to be avoided when they’re puppies to keep their paw pads safe! So try to stick to grass and other softer surfaces when first starting out.
To make things easier, here are the most important things to note when taking your puppy for some of their first walkies:
Perhaps start their first walk in the garden or somewhere close to home. It should be a quiet area if possible, away from noisy cars and chaos. Give your pooch plenty of praise and comfort, and pull gently on a short lead so they stay near to you.
When your pup’s ready, slowly introduce walking outdoors on a lead. Begin with short, controlled walks in safe areas so your pup can get used to their environment and everything in it. Don’t push them, or encourage them to run - especially if they don’t seem keen to continue or they show signs of tiredness.
Your pup will need a siesta or two, and may naturally do this by slowing down, sniffing their surroundings or simply plonking their butt on the floor. Conversely, if they’re constantly on the move, encourage them to be calm for a few moments so they can rest and have a drink.
Your pup will be on a lead for all walks in these early stages, but in secure areas (like a garden) you can start training them to come back when they’re called. Teaching this command when young means that when the time comes you’ll be prepared to let them off the lead safely, as they‘ll know to come back when instructed.
Your pooch might not be an eager walker, and may be reluctant to walk at all. If you’re baffled by how to exercise your particular dog (perhaps because of their specific breed, anxiety issues or even if they have a health condition), don’t hesitate to chat to your vet about it.
As well as walks, there are loads of other ways your puppy can benefit from movement every day.
When they’re small, puppies get the bulk of their exercise by playing, exploring and training activities with you, their owner.
If they do go for walks, be sure they’re short and non-strenuous. Avoid anything high impact, like getting your pup to run for long distances, jump from heights or perform agility training.
Mental exercise is just as important for your pooch as physical activity; if they don’t get enough, they may develop behavioural problems or find it harder to sleep at night. Be sure to exercise their brain as well as body with puzzles, fetch-style games, tug-of-war and training activities.
Before you go off and play with your pup, here are some final questions about taking a puppy for a walk.
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