: Puppy Health

How much exercise does my puppy need?

Growing puppies need to get plenty of rest, the right food, lots of love and gentle exercise. Playing in the yard and a gentle walk to the end of the street and back is more than enough exercise for a young puppy. Remember to let your puppy rest as soon as he or she shows signs of tiring. Young bones and joints can be damaged by over strenuous exercise, with problems sometimes only becoming apparent as the dog matures. Jumping and twisting games are best avoided as are games involving running up and down sets of stairs.

As the puppy gets older, he or she will be more able to cope with longer exercise periods, although it is important to remember that the larger breeds such as Great Danes or Rottweilers do not finish growing until nearly 18 months of age. These larger breeds in particular need extra care taken with their growing joints.