❓️HOW MUCH EXERCISE SHOULD A PUP HAVE EACH DAY❓️
- Sep 4
- 6 min read
Meta Title: How much exercise should a puppy have each day? | Mightyburns Bulls
Meta Description: Learn about essential French Bulldog puppy exercise limits to better accommodate bone growth/stability and growth plate closures. See how Mightyburns Bulls ensures healthier Frenchies in Rockingham, WA.
🐶Puppy Exercise Limits until growth plates close : What Every Owner Should Know
“Aim on 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, 3 months - 15 minutes, 4 months - 20 minutes and so on.”
At Mightyburns Bulls, based in Rockingham, WA, we believe that breeding is about more than just producing beautiful French Bulldogs. It’s about raising healthy, happy companions who can thrive in their new homes. Thats why we teach our new owners the 5 minute rule for puppy exercise.
It is recommended pups should be exercised 5 minutes multiplied by every month of their age. See the chart below. Soft surfaces are also best to start with.
❓️What happens if a pup gets too much exercise❓️
Over exercising a pup while they are still growing may damage joints and growth plates or affect bone and muscle development. This can lead to conditions like hip dysplasia, growth plate avulsions and early onset arthritis.
When you get your 8/10 week old puppies, please keep the below images in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.
When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited, bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.
But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on the tiles with no traction you are damaging the joint.
It is also much better to do 2 exercise sessions with a pup spread out during the day, instead of one longer session. This is a great approach for all dogs infact. This way, they have a rest period in between and there is less chance of injury. The time limits above for pups apply to 1-2 exercise sessions per day.
A bit of back-story for the 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. There is nothing wrong in these x-rays, thankfully it is a soft tissue injury and he is expected to be fine.
👉 Learn more in our French Bulldog FAQ about how responsible breeders ensure puppy health.
🐾Puppy exercise is sooo important as young dogs undergo significant physical changes.
🐶 Most growth takes place between the ages of 4 to 8 months however, in some large/giant dog breeds the growth plates may remain open up to 18-20 months!
🐶 There is 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 the puppy’s developing skeletal 🦴 system.
🦴 So here’s a guide to help; ⬇️
Over-training, such as long-distance running/walking, is unhealthy for young dogs. The benefits are minimal and the risk is 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 0-6mths
🐾 Walking – slow, short walks up to 30 mins, with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to stop & sniff sniff sniff!
🐾Formal skills training – sit, stay, come, down, touch – no more than 2 mins per session.
🐾Free play – no more than 10 mins; discourage rough play, such as body slamming.
🐾 Chasing objects – roll balls and drag toys along the ground. Avoid repetitive ball throwing & chasing.
🐾Tugging – do not pull against the dog – hold the toy and let the puppy pull against you; keep the toy low, to maintain the puppy’s neck in a straight line with its back.
🐾Avoid – direct running 👎 , jumping, indoor/outdoor stairs, fast turns, sudden stops like chasing a ball! 🎾
🐾Young puppies, up to six months, should not be exercised with the intent to increase strength or endurance. These puppies should be allowed to play naturally, i.e. self-directed play.
🐾 Jumping is often encouraged, with little understanding of the damage it can cause a young pup. Do not allow your puppy up on high objects without good 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, making them vulnerable to injury from the impact of jumping; this 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:
🐾Growth plates:
These are areas of cartilage at the ends of bones where growth occurs, and when a puppy jumps, the impact can damage these still-developing plates.
🐾Muscle development:
Puppies also lack the muscle strength to properly cushion the impact of a jump, further increasing the risk of injury.
🐾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 best healthiest French Bulldogs we can, however these extra steps in exercise limitations taken by you as their new owners, means that your not just getting a healthy puppy—you are also the one helping to set them up for long-term health and mobility too!
💡 Take away pointers and Why This Matters for You
🐾You only get the change to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.
🐾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 - and give the gift that can only be given once.
🐾Limit jumping:
Discourage your puppy from jumping off furniture or stairs, and provide ramps or steps for access if necessary.
🐾Gentle exercise:
Focus on low-impact activities like short walks, playtime with appropriate toys, and gentle training exercises.
🐾Consult your vet:
If you have concerns about your puppy's joint development, talk to your veterinarian for guidance on appropriate exercise routines.
🐾Choosing a breeder who invests and educates about these health initiative's, means you’re not just buying a puppy. You’re 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.
🐾 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. That's why we ensure that our breeding practices are transparent and responsible as well as 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 th health of your puppy beyond the time that it spends at the breeder home, you’re ensuring a brighter future for your new furry friend. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about the quality of their entire life!
🌟 Our Commitment to Health
We are also 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.
📩 Ready to Meet Your Future Frenchie?
At Mightyburns Bulls, we combine science, ethics, and love to raise exceptional French Bulldogs. Whether you’re in Australia or overseas, we offer safe transport options so your new puppy can join your family with care.
👉 Visit our French Bulldog FAQ to learn more about our breeding practices, or get in touch today:
📱 0459 191 182