How Much Exercise Does Your Puppy Really Need?
- cheyanngibbs
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
When it comes to puppies, the answer is… not as much as you might think—but consistency is key.
While they’ve got energy for days (and zoomies that come out of nowhere), puppies actually need a balance of movement and lots of rest for healthy growth. Overdoing it can stress developing joints and make them cranky (kind of like an overtired toddler).
A Good Rule of Paw:
5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day.
So, if your pup is 3 months old:➡️ 15 minutes of play or walk-time, twice a day.
What Counts as Exercise?
Short, leashed walks
Tug-of-war or fetch in the yard
Training sessions (mental work tires them out too!)
Safe puppy playdates
Signs Your Puppy’s Had Enough:
Lagging behind or sitting down mid-walk
Ignoring cues or zoning out
Getting extra nippy or grumpy
Let them nap, recharge, and grow—that’s part of their “work” right now too.
And don’t stress if every day looks a little different. Some days are made for sniffing the breeze, others for playing nonstop. Follow their lead, and you’ll both find your rhythm.
Breed Matters: Not All Pups Are Wired the Same
Just like people, puppies come with their own personalities—and energy levels! While the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age rule is a great starting point, it’s also important to consider your puppy’s breed. Some pups are natural-born athletes, while others are more into couch cuddles than cross-country sprints.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how exercise needs can vary:
High-Energy Breeds
Think: Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois These pups were bred to work, herd, or hunt—which means they’ve got serious go-go-go energy. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for these breeds.
Add in short training sessions, puzzle toys, and sniff walks
Once they’re fully grown, they’ll likely need more structured activity—like agility, fetch marathons, or long hikes
Moderate-Energy Breeds
Think: Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Poodles
These pups enjoy a mix of play and downtime. They love socializing and tend to do well with a couple of walks a day, plus some fetch or playtime in the yard.
Variety is key: rotate between walks, play, and training
They usually settle into a great family routine
Low-Energy or Chill Breeds
Think: Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Great Danes, Shih Tzus
These dogs are usually happy with short strolls and big naps. That doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise—it just means you don’t have to worry about wearing them out all day.
Focus on gentle walks, interactive toys, and short play sessions
Be mindful of things like heat tolerance (especially for brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies and Bulldogs)
Pro Tip: Mixed breeds are wildcards! If you adopted a mystery mutt, pay attention to their behavior—do they tire easily, or are they bouncing off the walls? Let their energy be your guide.
Every pup is different, but they all thrive with thoughtful movement, structure, and quality bonding time with you.
