Why You Should Not Over-Walk Your Puppy: Protecting Their Growing Joints and Energy

There’s nothing quite like bringing home a puppy. That mad dash through the kitchen. The warm head flopped in your lap. The wobbly tail following you from room to room. And of course, those wide, questioning eyes that ask you what’s next. For many new puppy owners, the answer to that question is, “Let’s go for a walk.”

But here’s the truth most people don’t hear early enough. Walking your puppy too much, too soon, can cause more harm than good. This is one of the most common early mistakes, and unfortunately, it’s one that can have lasting consequences.

This blog is here to guide you through the reasons why over-walking isn’t the shortcut to a tired, content pup. In fact, it can create discomfort, developmental issues and even long-term injury. We’ll talk about what’s going on beneath the surface of those tiny paws, what your puppy actually needs at each stage, and how to build daily routines that support healthy growth, not hinder it.

The myth of the tired puppy

It’s understandable. A tired dog is often a calm dog. And puppies are full of beans. It makes sense to think that more walking equals a better-behaved pup. But that logic works better for adult dogs than for puppies.

Young puppies are still developing, physically and mentally. Walking them too far or too often doesn’t just tire them out. It stresses their soft, forming joints, places strain on muscles that are not yet built for endurance, and can even impact their future ability to move comfortably. That adorable bounce in their step is partly due to the fact they haven’t yet developed proper coordination. Overdo it now, and you may find your adult dog ends up with issues you could have avoided.

Puppies are not miniature adults

A key part of understanding your puppy’s needs is realising they’re not just a smaller version of an adult dog. Everything about them is in progress. Their bones, joints, ligaments and even how they regulate temperature and recover from exertion. Their growth plates, which are areas of soft tissue near the ends of long bones, don’t fully close until around 12 to 18 months depending on the breed. Until then, they’re particularly vulnerable to repetitive stress or impact.

Imagine giving a toddler a loaded backpack and asking them to hike up a hill. Most of us would know that’s far too much. But because puppies look keen and energetic, we tend to forget they’re also still building the basics.

So how much is too much?

There’s a commonly shared rule of thumb. Five minutes of walking per month of age, up to twice per day. That means a three-month-old puppy would ideally walk for no more than fifteen minutes at a time. But it’s important to treat this as a guide, not a strict rule.

Every puppy is different. Breed, size, overall health and temperament all play a part. A slow sniffing wander through the garden is very different from a high-energy street walk, and you’ll need to factor in things like stairs, weather, surfaces, and how often your puppy stops and rests. If your pup is pulling on the lead or freezing in place, they’re likely trying to tell you something. Don’t ignore those cues.

What about large breeds?

Larger breeds are even more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be worsened by too much physical stress during puppyhood. That means a Great Dane, German Shepherd or Labrador puppy may need even more care and moderation than a smaller breed. It’s not just about less time walking. It’s also about avoiding repetitive jumping, long climbs or rough play on hard surfaces.

Speak with your vet or a professional trainer who understands your breed and its unique needs. A tailored plan is always better than guesswork.

Mental stimulation matters more

If your goal is to keep your puppy engaged and satisfied, walking is only one part of the puzzle. In fact, mental stimulation is just as, if not more, important than physical exercise in the early months.

Short training sessions, puzzle feeders, safe chewing, scent games and simple social experiences all go a long way towards helping your puppy feel fulfilled. These activities also build resilience, focus and the ability to settle. Skills that endless walking will not teach.

So, if your puppy is restless, the solution might not be another lap around the block. It might be a ten-minute sniffing game or a quiet moment of clicker training.

Watch for signs of over-exercise

Over-exercising a puppy can be subtle in its effects at first, but there are clear signs if you know what to look for. Stiffness after resting, limping, reluctance to walk or climb, or a noticeable change in gait are all signs your puppy might be struggling physically.

Emotionally, your puppy might also become more irritable, harder to settle or even hyperactive. Yes, overtiredness can make some pups appear more wired, not less. If that’s the case, the solution is rest, not more movement.

Socialisation is not about long walks

Another reason many owners push too much walking is to “socialise” their puppy. While exposure is crucial in the early weeks, it doesn’t need to happen through lengthy walks.

In fact, dragging a young pup through busy streets full of noises, people and dogs can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Controlled exposure, where your pup watches the world from a distance, at their own pace, with the option to retreat or rest, is far more effective.

Ten minutes sitting outside the shop, watching people go by, might be more valuable than a two-kilometre route through a housing estate.

Let them lead, within limits

When you do go for walks, think of them as your puppy’s chance to explore rather than your own chance to get steps in. Let them sniff, pause and observe. Their brain is doing just as much work as their body, and that matters more than mileage.

At the same time, be mindful of surfaces and environments. Avoid high-impact areas like concrete for long periods. Choose grass or soft trails when possible, and never force a tired pup to keep going. If they plop down and refuse to move, carry them if you need to. Their legs aren’t built for endurance yet.

Rest is part of growth

Puppies sleep a lot. Some nap for up to 18 to 20 hours a day, and that’s not laziness. It’s biology. Growth, repair and processing all happen during rest. If your pup is constantly on the move, they may not be getting the rest they need.

This is especially important for households with children or other pets. Make sure your puppy has quiet time and a space where they can switch off completely. Overstimulated puppies don’t just get tired, they get overwhelmed. And that often shows up later in undesirable behaviours.

Building better habits

Over-walking isn’t just about physical strain. It also creates routines that are hard to maintain long-term. If your four-month-old pup gets two hour-long walks a day, they’ll expect that same level of activity, and they’ll demand it as they grow. But that level of exercise may not be sustainable for you, and it may not be suitable for them.

Instead, focus on variety and balance. Combine short lead walks with structured play, training, rest, and free time in the garden or home. Help your puppy learn that not every hour needs to be filled with movement.

What you can do instead

So if long walks are off the table, what can you do?

• Short, frequent movement breaks at your puppy’s pace

• Free play in a safe garden or indoor space

• Basic training games that last a few minutes at a time

• Social exposure in calm, non-stressful settings

• Puzzle toys or gentle sniff-based games

These activities offer plenty of stimulation without the wear and tear on joints and growing limbs. And just as importantly, they help build confidence, calmness and cooperation in a way that’s sustainable.

It’s not about doing nothing

To be clear, this isn’t an argument for keeping your puppy cooped up. Movement is important. Exploration is essential. But over-walking is not the way to achieve either of those things. The goal is to meet your puppy where they are, not where you think they should be.

Be patient. This stage passes quickly. The effort you make now to go slow, listen to your puppy and protect their developing body will pay off for years to come.

Curious about what Paws Academy has to offer? Have a look at our online training hub and see what might work for you and your dog.