Exercising your puppy

All puppies need daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy no matter what their breed. Walks and playtime help your puppy develop both physically and mentally and provide an opportunity for you to build an unbreakable bond.

In the first weeks of your pup’s life with you, they’ll need to exercise at home until they’ve been vaccinated. Once your new puppy is fully protected against diseases, you’ll be able to take them for walks and introduce them to all the new and exciting sights, sounds and smells of the outside world as part of their socialisation period.

Exercising at home

If your puppy hasn’t yet completed their full vaccination course, it’s really important that they only exercise at home. Two or three sets of injections (2-4 weeks apart from one another) are needed before your furry friend is protected from serious diseases.

Until then, playing with your puppy at home will help them to develop physically and mentally and learn new skills - just be sure to avoid any exercise that puts strain on your puppy’s developing body, such as jumping, leaping, turning, and fast running.

Time for walkies!

Once your puppy has been fully vaccinated, it’s time for you both to go on your very first walk! As you venture out together, there’ll be many stops and starts along the way as your puppy will be eager to explore, so you need to be patient and let them wander at their own pace. Remember, during this early stage of their life, our furry friends need low-impact exercise while their bones and joints grow, so try to limit any jumping or fast-paced walks!

The early days of walking should be a positive experience to help your new pup gain confidence. So, when they react calmly to a new experience, be sure to give them lots of praise and a small tasty treat to reward their behaviour! Make sure the treats are small to keep calories down - you can reduce their daily meal allowance by up to 10% to compensate.

How much exercise does my pup need?

Your dog’s breed plays a large part in their natural energy levels and exercise requirements, so it’s important you do your research - too much exercise while puppies are growing can be equally as harmful as too little! As a guide, aim for two or more gentle walks daily, with playtime in between. Naturally, as your puppy gets older, they will need to exercise for longer, but be led by your puppy’s needs – allow them exercise at their own pace and rest when needed.

If you’re unsure how much exercise your puppy needs, or if you have any concerns about their weight and fitness, speak to your vet for advice.

Rest and relaxation

It sure is hard work being a pup! As important as it is for them to exercise daily, it’s also important that your puppy has plenty of time to rest in between. Always stop any activity with your puppy before they get too tired - never push them to do more than they are capable of. Equally, if your pup is sleeping, try not to wake them up!