Exercise is essential for puppies’ physical and mental development. It helps them build strength, improve coordination, and release energy, all crucial for healthy growth.
However, improper exercise, especially high-impact activities, can lead to long-term injuries or joint diseases like hip dysplasia or elbow problems. Puppies’ joints are still developing, so it’s important to balance activity with rest, focusing on low-impact, controlled exercises.
By understanding your puppy’s unique exercise needs, you can promote healthy development while preventing future joint issues.
Understanding Puppy Exercise Needs
Different Breeds, Different Risks
When it comes to joint health, not all breeds are created equal. Certain breeds, particularly large dogs like German Shepherds and Labradors, have a genetic predisposition to joint diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia (HD). The structure and growth patterns of their bodies make them more vulnerable to these conditions, but environment and exercise routines also play a significant role.
For example, studies have shown that large-breed puppies exposed to frequent stair use before three months of age are at a heightened risk of developing HD. However, those raised in rural environments or allowed daily off-leash exercise in natural terrain show a decreased risk. Studies like these highlight the
importance of considering both genetics and lifestyle when creating an exercise plan for dogs predisposed to joint issues.
Interestingly, young Labradors that engage in high-intensity activities such as chasing balls or sticks are more likely to develop HD and elbow problems. This suggests that while exercise is important, repetitive, high-impact activities may exacerbate existing risks. Tailoring exercise routines to minimize repetitive strain and impact on developing joints is crucial, especially for breeds prone to dysplasia.
For Boxer puppies, another breed at risk of HD, the surface they grow up on matters. Research has found that those housed on slippery surfaces by breeders are more likely to develop joint issues. Ensuring that puppies are raised in environments with stable footing can help lower their risk of joint disease later in life.
Another joint condition, Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), a cartilage defect common in immature joints, is more likely to develop in dogs that frequently engage in rough play with other dogs. This reinforces the need for moderation in puppy playtime, particularly for at-risk breeds.
Body structure also plays an important part in developmental risks. Breeds with long and low bodies, such as Dachshunds, Corgis, and Basset Hounds, face unique challenges due to their body structure. The disproportionate length of their spines and shorter legs make them susceptible to spinal injuries and joint issues if exercised too vigorously. These breeds should be eased into exercise gradually, allowing their muscles and joints to strengthen without placing too much strain on their backs or limbs.
Key Goals of Puppy Physical Exercise
- Increasing Strength: Importance of building muscle to support growing joints.
- Improving Body Awareness: Exercises that enhance proprioception and coordination.
- Promoting Flexibility: Ensuring puppies are flexible without overstretching, which could lead to injuries.
Growing puppies with developing skeletons and soft tissue that are clumsy and poorly coordinated are more vulnerable to injury, which can lead to pain-related behavior problems. However, exercise affects puppy behavior in ways beyond pain management.
Proper physical activity plays a key role in mental stimulation, helping to engage their minds, improve cognitive development, and regulate emotions. By providing appropriate exercise, you can support both the physical and mental well-being of puppies, fostering healthier behavior and reducing the risk of injury-induced issues.
The Pros and Cons of Puppy Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Proper exercise and mental stimulation are essential for healthy puppy development, but both too much and too little can have negative effects.
Too Little Exercise
Puppies that don’t get enough exercise may become restless and engage in high-energy activities indoors, like jumping on furniture or racing up stairs. This increases their risk of injury and joint issues later in life.
Lack of physical activity can also lead to behavioral issues like chewing or mouthing due to boredom. Over time, these behaviors might strain the relationship between dog and owner, possibly leading to anxiety in the puppy.
Too Much Exercise
On the other hand, too much exercise—especially fast-paced or repetitive activities—can overwhelm a puppy both physically and mentally. Puppies are still developing their brains and bodies, so pushing them too hard can lead to muscle damage, stress, and sensory overload. Over-exercised puppies may become overly excited or fearful, which could lead to behavioral problems like jumping on people or difficulty settling down after walks. Additionally, too much stimulation without enough rest can interfere with healthy brain development, emotional regulation, and memory consolidation.
Balancing exercise and mental stimulation with plenty of rest is key to promoting healthy puppy behavior and emotional well-being.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Injury Risk
Low-impact activities are great for helping puppies build muscle without stressing their developing joints. Gentle tug-of-war, controlled fetch, walking uphill, and swimming are perfect examples. Walking on sand or shallow water (up to elbow height) adds gentle resistance, while walking over poles helps improve coordination.
Strengthening Exercises for Puppies
- Sit-to-Stand (Doggy Squats): Ask your puppy to sit, then stand, and repeat. This strengthens the hind legs and core. Make sure that your puppy is sitting evenly on both back feet, not kicking one or both legs to the side. Practicing good positioning when working out is just as important in pets as it is in humans.
- Play Bows: Encourage your dog to stretch forward in a bowing position with their chest low and rear up. It builds both flexibility and muscle.
- Beg or Sit Pretty: Have your puppy sit up on their hind legs with their front legs tucked into their body to “beg.” This engages both their core and leg muscles. If they struggle, you can help them balance by holding their front paw lightly and slowly reduce your assistance until they can balance on their own.
- Shake While Standing: With your puppy standing and facing you, gently pick up one front paw and hold for a few seconds, release then repeat on the other side. This exercise helps strengthen the puppy’s core muscles as they shift their weight back and forth from front to back
It’s essential to start with short sessions of just 1-3 minutes and gradually increase the intensity as your puppy builds strength. This prevents overexertion and supports steady development.
Improving Body Awareness in Puppies
Body awareness exercises help puppies develop coordination, balance, and strength while reducing the risk of falls or awkward movements. Here are three at-home exercises:
- Walking on Different Surfaces: Encourage your puppy to walk on grass, tile, carpet, or gravel. This improves their coordination as they learn to navigate different textures.
- Wobble Board Balancing: Use a wobble board or a cushion to challenge your puppy’s balance and core stability.
- Cavaletti Training: Set up poles on the ground for your puppy to step over, helping them learn to lift their legs and control their movements.
These exercises not only improve balance but also boost confidence and prevent injury.
Promoting Safe Flexibility in Puppies
Maintaining flexibility is important for puppies, but it’s essential to avoid overstretching their growing muscles. Gentle stretches help keep puppies limber while supporting their overall health. Here are four safe stretches you can do at home:
- Front Leg Stretch: With the puppy lying on its side, gently extend one front leg forward, hold for 2-5 seconds in full extension, and release. Repeat 2-3 times per leg
- Back Leg Stretch: With the puppy lying on its right side, slowly move the left hind leg backward, with one hand supporting the hip and one hand supporting the knee joint. Ask the puppy to switch sides and repeat for the right hind leg.
- Play Bow Stretch: Encourage a natural play bow by using a treat. With the puppy standing, slowly draw a treat down between the puppy’s legs. They will follow it with their nose and slowly shift their weight onto their hind limbs as they lower themselves into a bowing position. Give them a treat and release them.
- Spinal Twist Stretch: With your puppy standing, gently guide them into a side stretch by holding a treat towards the top of their hip. Repeat on the other side for one repitition
Remember, short and gentle is the key. Stop if the puppy resists or seems uncomfortable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over Exercising Young Puppies
Too much exercise, especially high-impact activities like jumping or long runs, can be harmful to puppies. Long walks on hard surfaces, like sidewalks, also put stress on developing joints. Studies show that young dogs exercising on natural terrain, such as gently rolling hills, have a lower risk of hip dysplasia.
Signs of overexercising include limping, joint swelling, and reluctance to play. If you notice any of these, it’s essential to reduce activity and allow rest. Always balance exercise with your puppy’s developmental needs to ensure long-term joint health.
Inappropriate Activities for Puppies
Certain activities can put too much strain on a puppy’s developing joints and should be avoided. These include:
- Excessive Jumping: Jumping on or off furniture or stairs can lead to joint damage and injuries.
- Running on Hard Surfaces: Prolonged running on hard surfaces like pavement stresses growing bones and joints.
- High-Impact Exercise: Activities such as agility courses or rough play can be harmful.
- Uncontrolled or Long Duration Play in Dog Parks: Puppies love to run and play hard with other animals. They can be so enthusiastic that they actually can cause long term injury to their joints or cartilage. Smooth and controlled play helps to rein in a puppy’s overzealousness while still helping them develop proper social skills and mentally stimulate them
Instead, focus on low-impact exercises, controlled play sessions and allow plenty of rest to support their healthy growth and development.
Conclusion
Exercise is vital for puppies’ growth, but the right approach is key to preventing injury and long-term issues. Each breed, type, and individual dog has different exercise needs and abilities, especially during the developmental stage.
Athletic and working breeds often need more physical activity, but their exercise levels should be gradually increased to avoid overstressing their joints and muscles.
By focusing on controlled, low-impact activities and helping puppies regulate their energy, we can support both their physical and emotional well-being, setting them up for a healthier future.
Key Takeaways:
- Low impact exercise is best for puppies to prevent injury to muscle, tendon or bone.
- By doing some simple and fun exercises at home you can help your puppy to gain strength and balance to help protect them from injury.
- At all cost avoid excessive jumping, exercise on hard surfaces and any high impact activities in growing puppies.
- Each breed, type, and individual dog has different exercise needs and abilities, especially during the developmental stage.
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References:
- Krontveit, R. I., Nødtvedt, A., Sævik, B. K., Ropstad, E., & Trangerud, C. (2012). Housing-and exercise-related risk factors associated with the development of hip dysplasia as determined by radiographic evaluation in a prospective cohort of Newfoundlands, Labrador Retrievers, Leonbergers, and Irish Wolfhounds in Norway. American journal of veterinary research, 73(6), 838-846.
- Sallander, M. H., Hedhammar, A., & Trogen, M. E. (2006). Diet, exercise, and weight as risk factors in hip dysplasia and elbow arthrosis in Labrador retrievers. The Journal of nutrition, 136(7), 2050S-2052S.
- van Hagen, M. A., Ducro, B. J., Broek, J. V. D., & Knol, B. W. (2005). Incidence, risk factors, and heritability estimates of hind limb lameness caused by hip dysplasia in a birth cohort of boxers. American journal of veterinary research, 66(2), 307-312.
- Slater, M. R., Scarlett, J. M., Donoghue, S., Kaderly, R. E., Bonnett, B. N., Cockshutt, J., & Erb, H. N. (1992). Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. American journal of veterinary research, 53(11), 2119-2124
- Riser, W. H. (1975). The dog as a model for the study of hip dysplasia. Growth, form, and development of the normal and dysplastic hip joint. Veterinary pathology, 12:234–334.