How much exercise does a puppy need?
- Kara
- Oct 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Bringing home a new Goldendoodle or Poodle puppy is an exciting time filled with play, bonding, and lots of adorable moments. One of the most common questions new puppy parents have is: "How much exercise does my puppy need?" While exercise is essential for a puppy’s development, too much or the wrong type of activity can put strain on their growing bodies. This guide breaks down the appropriate amount of exercise for Goldendoodle and Poodle puppies and provides tips for safe and fun ways to keep them active.
Why Exercise is Important for Puppies
Exercise is crucial for a puppy’s physical and mental health. It supports their growth, improves coordination, and helps with socialization. However, puppies, especially Goldendoodles and Poodles, have specific needs based on their age and size. Over-exercising can stress their developing joints and bones, which may lead to long-term health issues. Understanding their unique needs helps ensure they get just the right amount of exercise.
2. General Exercise Guidelines for Puppies
A general rule of thumb is to allow 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. For example, a 3-month-old Goldendoodle or Poodle puppy would benefit from about 15 minutes of exercise, twice daily. This ensures they stay active without overworking their growing bodies. Exercise at this stage should be moderate and controlled rather than intense or prolonged.
Age | Exercise Time (Twice Daily) |
2 months | 10 minutes |
3 months | 15 minutes |
4 months | 20 minutes |
5 months | 25 minutes |
Note: These times are approximate and can vary slightly based on the puppy's size and energy levels.
3. Types of Exercise for Goldendoodle and Poodle Puppies
Here are some puppy-friendly exercise ideas that are gentle and fun:
Short Walks: Take brief, relaxed walks around your yard or neighborhood. Avoid long hikes or extended walks at this age.
Playtime: Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek in short bursts are great ways to keep your puppy active without too much stress on their joints.
Puzzle Toys and Enrichment: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and training sessions help keep them engaged and tire them out.
Socialization Playdates: Once your puppy is fully vaccinated meeting other vaccinated puppies can offer social exercise that helps your puppy develop social skills and burn off some energy.
4. Activities to Avoid with Young Puppies
It’s tempting to jump into energetic activities with an active Goldendoodle or Poodle puppy, but there are some activities to avoid until they’re older:
High-Impact Exercises: Avoid running or jogging with your puppy until they’re at least a year old. Young joints and bones can’t handle the strain of repetitive, high-impact activities.
Stairs: Limit access to stairs until they’re older, as climbing stairs repeatedly can put stress on their developing joints.
Jumping and Fetch on Hard Surfaces: Playing fetch on hard surfaces like concrete can impact their joints, so stick to grassy areas.
5. Adjusting Exercise as They Grow
As your Goldendoodle or Poodle puppy grows, their exercise needs will increase. Around one year of age, most puppies can handle longer walks and more strenuous activities. Be mindful of their behavior during exercise: if they seem tired, panting heavily, or are slowing down, it’s time for a break. Exercise also depends on their individual temperament; some Poodles may be content with moderate play, while Goldendoodles might enjoy longer walks as they mature.
Knowing the appropriate amount of exercise for your Goldendoodle or Poodle puppy is key to supporting their growth and keeping them happy. The right balance of physical and mental activity sets them up for a lifetime of good health. At Teddy Doods, we’re passionate about raising happy, healthy puppies. Please let us know if you have any questions!