How to care for your growing puppy?

In the pictures above we can see Dali at age of 8 weeks with her lazy sit. This contrasts with Dali at 2 years old sitting square (symetrical) and tall after training exercises with her owner (and our Certified canine therapist), Mag.

Here’s how you can be the best "physical therapist" for your pup.

1. The Golden Rule: Let Them Set the Pace

Puppies have boundless energy in short bursts, followed by deep sleep. Never force exercise. Overexertion can damage developing joints, muscles, and growth plates (the delicate part that helps lengthen bones). A good guideline is 5 minutes of structured exercise up to twice a day, for each month of age. For a 3-month-old puppy, that’s 15 minutes of leashed walking or play at a time.
 

2. Surface Matters: Traction is Key

Puppies are clumsy! Slippery floors (hardwood, tile) are your enem. They force puppies into unnatural, splayed positions to stay upright, straining developing ligaments and joints.

• Provide traction: Use rugs, yoga mats, or non-slip mats.
• Opt for outdoor play on grass, dirt, or sand for secure footing.

3.  Creating a Puppy-Friendly Safe Zone

Essential Setup: 

• Install a secure area, such as puppy play pen/ puppy fence which is tall enough to prevent jumping, with no gaps for squeezing through or objects to climb out.

Inside the Zone:

• Comfortable bedding for rest.
• Provide constant access to fresh water.
• Use non slip, puppy-safe surfaces.
• Set up a designated potty area (e.g., pee pads) and clean it daily.
• Leave durable toys and rotate them to prevent boredom.  For example, chew toys & mind stimulating puzzles.

Most Important:

• Supervision is critical as the puppy needs frequent interaction, play, and monitoring even in this secure space.  Consider setting a puppy camera so you will be able to monitor your puppy while away.

4. Mind the Stairs & Furniture

Carrying your puppy up and down big steps and on/off high furniture (like beds or sofas) for at least the first 4-6 months is highly recommended. Jumping down from heights puts immense, concussive force on soft joints and those all important growth plates. Use ramps or pet steps if allowing access is important to you.

5. Age appropriate conditioning & sports training

Turn play into purposeful, foundation-building exercise!  Gradually increase the frequency, duration & intensity but avoid high intensity fetch (especially with sharp stops/ turns), and overly rough play with much larger dogs.

Under 6 months: Short walks on leash over soft grass, allowing for body awareness, gentle tugging and self directed play, simple commands and puppy socalisation.

6 months to growth plate closure:  Longer walks on leash, supervised play with similar sized dogs, teaching commands and consider to introduce swimming.

After growth plate closure (approx.14 to 20 months): Longer walks on leash and include different terrains, short easy hikes, swimming. Begin to add faster exercise (like short sprints) and easy jumps for strength training.

When to Seek Our Help (Veterinary Physiotherapy):

You don't need to wait for an injury! Proactive care is best. Consider a puppy "wellness check" with us if you notice:

• Obvious clumsiness or tripping more than other dogs.
• Reluctance to play, climb, or be handled.
• Sitting in a consistently "slouchy" or asymmetrical position.
• 'Bunny hop' running style.
• You want a personalised exercise plan to build optimal strength and posture