Puppies love to run around - especially when they get the ‘zoomies’ early morning and evening. However it is really important that they get the right type of exercise.

When pups are still growing, the growth plates between the bones are soft. The wrong exercise will damage this, and can lead to hip, elbow and other health problems in later life.

Exercise is important for a pup for many reasons:

• Improves socialising, confidence and trust

• Improves cardiovascular fitness, agility, strength

• Reduces behavioural problems through stimulation and reduction of boredom

• Helps with housetraining and helping puppy cope when you are away

Good exercise:

• Self directed play in the garden

• Learning to fetch balls (kept low to the ground)

• Walking (after vaccination course is complete plus one week) but only for 5 minutes for every month of life (ie, a 3 month old pup maximum walk of 15 minutes, 4 month old max of 20 minutes etc).

Potentially damaging exercise:

• Long Walks or Runs before growth plates are closed.

• Pulling, for instance a skateboard or in harness before maturity

• Running up and down stairs particularly under 4 months of age (check with your vet when it is ok for puppy to use stairs)

• Running on slippery surfaces such as floating floors or tiles

• Jumping up or standing on back legs (no begging - four paws on the floor)

• Jumping (or falling) up or down from furniture

• Frisbees, balls or toys they have to jump up to catch.