Proper Exercise for Labrador Puppies

Exercise is vital for Labradors, but too much exercise too early can damage their developing joints. Here’s how to do it right.

The 5-Minute Rule

A general guide is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice daily. For example:

• 3 months = 15 minutes, 2x daily
• 4 months = 20 minutes, 2x daily
• 6 months = 30 minutes, 2x daily

Safe Exercises by Age

8-12 Weeks

• Free play in the yard
• Short exploration sessions
• Supervised swimming (excellent for joints)

3-6 Months

• Short walks on soft surfaces
• Fetch games (on grass, not concrete)
• Basic obedience training

6-12 Months

• Longer walks
• Play with other dogs
• Start structured activities

What to Avoid

• ❌ Running on hard surfaces before age 1
• ❌ Jumping from heights (beds, cars)
• ❌ Going up/down stairs repeatedly
• ❌ Forced or endurance exercise

After age one, growth plates close and you can gradually increase exercise intensity.