š¶ How Much Exercise Should a Puppy Have Each Day?
- Sep 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 6
š¾ Puppy Exercise Limits Until Growth Plates Close: What Every Owner Should Know
āAim for 5 minutes of exercise once or twice daily, for every month of their life. For example, at 2 months of age, they can get 10 minutes of exercise; at 3 months, 15 minutes; at 4 months, 20 minutes; and so on.ā
At Mightyburns Bulls, located in Rockingham, WA, we believe that breeding is about more than just producing beautiful French Bulldogs. Itās about raising healthy, happy companions who can thrive in their new homes. Thatās why we teach our new owners the 5-minute rule for puppy exercise.
Puppies should be exercised for 5 minutes multiplied by every month of their age. Check out the chart below! Soft surfaces are best to start with.
āļø What Happens If a Pup Gets Too Much Exercise?
Over-exercising a pup while they are still growing can damage joints and growth plates. This can affect bone and muscle development, leading to conditions like hip dysplasia, growth plate avulsions, and early-onset arthritis.
When you bring home your 8-10 week old puppies, please keep the images below in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet! They waddle around adorably with big floppy paws and wobbly movements because their joints are made up entirely of muscle, tendons, and ligaments, all covered by skin. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.
If you let them run excessively or donāt restrict their exercise, you risk hindering their growth. Every big jump or excited bounce causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts, this isnāt problematic, but excessive activity can be harmful.
When you allow your puppy to jump off the lounge or bed, or take them for long walks or hikes, you are damaging their developing joints. Scrambling on slippery tiles can also lead to injuries.
Itās much better to do two exercise sessions with a pup spread out during the day instead of one longer session. This approach is great for all dogs! It allows them to rest in between, reducing the chance of injury. The time limits mentioned above apply to 1-2 exercise sessions per day.
A bit of backstory for the radiograph images above: This is a baby puppy who had a knock to his elbow and wasn't using it properly, so he was taken to the vet. Thankfully, there is nothing wrong in these x-rays; it is a soft tissue injury, and he is expected to be fine.
š Learn more in our French Bulldog FAQ about how responsible breeders ensure puppy health.
š¾ Puppy Exercise is Sooo Important!
š¶ Most growth takes place between the ages of 4 to 8 months. However, in some large or giant dog breeds, the growth plates may remain open until 18-20 months!
š¶ Thereās no question that puppies LOVE to exercise! We want nothing more than to make them happy, but puppy exercise limits MUST be applied to prevent damage to their developing skeletal š¦“ system.
š¦“ Puppy Exercise Guidelines: What You Need to Know
Over-training, such as long-distance running or walking, is unhealthy for young dogs. The benefits are minimal, while the risks are considerable. Some dogs are naturally driven to exercise, and as owners, we feel we are doing them a service by giving them what they want. So... what is enough?
Appropriate Puppy Exercise for 0-6 Months
š¾ Walking ā Slow, short walks up to 30 minutes, with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to stop and sniff!
š¾ Formal Skills Training ā Teach sit, stay, come, down, touch ā no more than 2 minutes per session.
š¾ Free Play ā Limit to no more than 10 minutes; discourage rough play, like body slamming.
š¾ Chasing Objects ā Roll balls and drag toys along the ground. Avoid repetitive ball throwing and chasing.
š¾ Tugging ā Donāt pull against the dog; hold the toy and let the puppy pull against you. Keep the toy low to maintain the puppyās neck in a straight line with its back.
š¾ Avoid ā Direct running š, jumping, indoor/outdoor stairs, fast turns, and sudden stops like chasing a ball! š¾
š¾ Young puppies, up to six months, should not be exercised with the intent to increase strength or endurance. They should be allowed to play naturally, engaging in self-directed play.
š¾ Jumping is often encouraged without understanding the damage it can cause a young pup. Do not allow your puppy on high objects without supervision, and assist them when getting down.
Puppies shouldn't jump excessively because their joints, specifically their growth plates, are still developing and not fully fused. This makes them vulnerable to injury from the impact of jumping, which can lead to long-term joint problems if too much stress is placed on them during their growth phase.
Key Points About Puppy Joints and Jumping
š¾ Growth Plates: These are areas of cartilage at the ends of bones where growth occurs. When a puppy jumps, the impact can damage these still-developing plates.
š¾ Muscle Development: Puppies also lack the muscle strength to properly cushion the impact of a jump, further increasing the risk of injury.
š¾ Potential for Joint Issues: Allowing a puppy to jump too much can lead to problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia later in life.
We breed for the healthiest French Bulldogs possible. However, these extra steps in exercise limitations taken by you as their new owners mean that youāre not just getting a healthy puppyāyou are also helping to set them up for long-term health and mobility too!
š” Takeaway Pointers and Why This Matters for You
š¾ You only get the chance to grow them once. A well-built body comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing - BOTH, not just one.
š¾ Once grown, you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher-impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies - give the gift that can only be given once.
š¾ Limit Jumping: Discourage your puppy from jumping off furniture or stairs. Provide ramps or steps for access if necessary.
š¾ Gentle Exercise: Focus on low-impact activities like short walks, playtime with appropriate toys, and gentle training exercises.
š¾ Consult Your Vet: If you have concerns about your puppy's joint development, talk to your veterinarian for guidance on appropriate exercise routines.
š¾ Choosing a breeder who invests in and educates about these health initiatives means youāre not just buying a puppy. Youāre also investing in:
Fewer long-term health complications
Lower vet bills
A happier, more active companion
This is what sets Mightyburns Bulls apart. We go the extra mile for both you and your new family member, so your French Bulldog can live their best life.
š¾ The Importance of Ethical Breeding
Ethical breeding is not just a trend; it's a commitment. At Mightyburns Bulls, we prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs. We understand that every puppy is a lifelong commitment for their new family. Thatās why we ensure that our breeding practices are transparent and responsible. Our education is abundant, clear, understandable, and very easy to follow. We offer a lifetime of support and advice for every one of our puppy homes.
By choosing a breeder who prioritizes the health of your puppy beyond the time spent at the breeder's home, youāre ensuring a brighter future for your new furry friend. Itās not just about aesthetics; itās about the quality of their entire life!
š Our Commitment to Health
We are dedicated to eliminating genetic health issues like DVL2 and CDDY. Our rigorous health testing protocols are designed to ensure that every puppy we produce is as healthy as possible. This commitment is what makes us the leading and most trusted French Bulldog breeder in Western Australia.
š© Ready to Meet Your Future Frenchie?
At Mightyburns Bulls, we combine science, ethics, and love to raise exceptional French Bulldogs. Whether youāre in Australia or overseas, we offer safe transport options so your new puppy can join your family with care.
š Visit our French Bulldog FAQ to learn more about our breeding practices or get in touch today:
š± 0459 191 182
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