Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and heart-warming adventure. Every day brings something new. One of the biggest questions new puppy owners have is: How much exercise, sleep, and stimulation does my puppy actually need?

Getting this balance right is very important for your puppy. It affects their physical development, behaviour, and overall well-being. Too much activity can overstimulate them, while too little can lead to frustration and unwanted behaviours. Let's break down what your puppy needs. Our expert vets put this together, so you're getting clear, trustworthy advice.

How much exercise does your puppy need?

Puppies are full of energy, but they don’t need (and shouldn’t have) hours of physical exercise each day. Their bodies are still growing, and excessive or high-impact exercise can put strain on their developing joints.

The general rule of thumb is: 

• 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day

• Structured exercise means exercises like lead walks, training sessions, or play with other dogs.

So, for example,

• 2-month-old puppy → 10 minutes twice a day

• 6-month-old puppy → 30 minutes twice a day

What type of exercise is best?

• Short walks on soft ground

• Sniffing and exploring

• Light play in the garden

• Training sessions (sit, paw, recall, loose-lead walking)

• Gentle play with other calm dogs

Avoid high-impact activities such as long hikes, rough play, or repetitive ball throwing. These activities may be fun in the moment, but they are too intense for young joints and can lead to issues later in life.

Don’t forget mental stimulation

Mental enrichment is really important for puppies and is just as tiring as physical activity. Sniffing, searching, and problem-solving all activate your puppy’s brain. A short sniff walk can be more rewarding than a long, fast-paced one.

How much sleep do puppies need?

Many new owners worry that their puppy is sleeping too much. But actually, most behavioural problems start in puppies who are tired, overstimulated, and unable to settle.

Most puppies should sleep for 18–20 hours a day. This is essential. During sleep, puppies grow, learn, emotionally regulate, and develop immune defences.

Signs your puppy is overtired include:

• Frantic behaviour or hyperactivity

• Nipping or biting more than usual

• Barking or whining without an obvious reason

• Difficulty settling

Many owners mistake overtiredness for excess energy. Often, the solution is not more exercise, but more rest.

Create a safe place for naps

Puppies need a quiet, calm space to relax and get their much-needed sleep. This could be in a crate, puppy pen, or a cosy corner with a bed. Placing a soft blanket or comfort item with familiar scents can help them settle. Plugging in a pheromone diffuser nearby is also beneficial.

Encourage frequent naps, especially after meals, training, or play. Puppies often sleep in short bursts. Allowing them uninterrupted rest helps them grow into calmer, healthier adults.

Safe toys for puppies

Your puppy is going to chew on everything - that's just how they explore. Make sure they have safe options. Provide toys that help soothe sore teeth, redirect unwanted chewing, and provide mental stimulation.

Choose toys that are:

• Appropriate for your puppy’s size (large enough not to be swallowed)

• Durable (especially for strong chewers)

• Made from puppy-safe materials and have no small detachable parts

• Easy to clean

Avoid:

• Toys that splinter (e.g., sticks)

• Toys with easily removable eyes or stuffing

• Cheap rubber toys that tear easily

• Anything that can be swallowed whole

• Hard antlers or bones that can damage teeth

• Rubber chew toys (e.g., puppy-strength Kongs)

• Rope toys for tug (supervised only)

• Textured teething toys

• Rubber balls or rollers designed for gentle chewing

Rotate toys to keep things interesting—you don’t need 20 toys on the floor at once.

Brain games and calm activities 

Puppies need more than physical activity—they need mental stimulation and sensory experiences that help them understand their world. Here are some safe enrichment ideas:

1. Sniffing games

Hide a few treats around a room and let your puppy search for them. Sniffing is calming and mentally tiring.

2. Food puzzles

These encourage problem-solving and support healthy eating behaviour. Examples include treat-dispensing toys, lick mats, slow-feeder bowls and puppy-safe puzzle feeders.

3. Safe socialisation

Start slowly introducing your puppy to different situations. Let them experience different surfaces like grass, carpet, and gravel. Get them comfortable with new people, friendly dogs, household sounds, and different places like the car, vet's office, or a quiet street. Focus on positive and gentle exposure rather than overwhelming situations.

4. Short training sessions

Teach your puppy simple cues like sit, down, and come. Keep sessions short, around 3 to 5 minutes is often enough.

Puppies thrive on a balanced routine of:

• Short sessions of age-appropriate exercise

• Plenty of sleep and rest

• Safe mental enrichment

• Positive socialisation

No two puppies are the same—some are naturally energetic, while others are more laid back. Watch your puppy’s behaviour, adjust their routine when needed, and prioritise rest just as much as play.

When you meet their physical and emotional needs in a thoughtful, structured way, you’re setting them up for a happy, confident, well-adjusted life.

Puppy Q&A

Q: When can I take my puppy for a walk?

A: Most puppies can go for short walks 2 weeks after completing the first course of vaccinations, usually when they’re around 12 weeks old. However, in some cases, they may not be fully protected until later, depending on their breed and individual circumstances. Follow your vet's advice to keep your pup safe.

Q: Can I over-exercise my puppy? 

A: Yes, and it's easier than you think. Too much exercise can damage growing bones and joints. Stick to age-appropriate activities and watch for signs your puppy is tired - like lying down or losing interest in play.

Q: How much exercise does my puppy need? 

A: The right amount of exercise for your puppy depends on their breed, size and any other health issues. A general rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Short, frequent play sessions work better than long walks at this age.

Join us next month as we discuss anxiety in puppies - the early signs to watch for, what can trigger it and practical ways to prevent it.