How much exercise should a puppy get?

How much exercise should an 8 month old corgi get? When we take him to the dog park, he sometimes runs full speed back and forth, around in circles, chases balls, tug o wars, chases other dogs and gets chased, jumps and leaps etc. I worry of course that this is too much impact on his joints and muscles. I never see him run this fast of course except in grassy or sandy areas so I'm wondering if its okay for his joints/bones/muscles at his age as long as its in a grassy/sandy area.

Is there anything I need to worry about?

Please advise! Thanks in advance!

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Permalink Reply by Beth on October 25, 2011 at 8:19pm

I think that in general terms, if the puppy is exercising freely (as opposed to forced exercise, like jogging) then it's ok. The exception is you want to try to minimize having them jump off of heights, fly full-speed down stairs, and the like.

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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on October 25, 2011 at 11:34pm

I wouldn't think you could over-exercise a puppy any more than you could over-feed a puppy, but our breeder was quite firm with me: "No big challenges until 1 year old" (she knows I'm a hardcore hiker).

What I think you want to avoid is growth-plate injury, particularly to the wrist, from jumping down from heights. Even as adults, we try to discourage aerobatic landings, and provide nonskid throw-rugs at takeoff and landing zones near the bed and sofa, etc. We have hardwood floors, prone to slipping. Almost wish I'd kept the horrible wall-to-wall dirty shag carpet.

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Permalink Reply by Ralphie & Sue on October 31, 2011 at 4:32am

Thanks for the advice. I worry too much about his joints/hips and catch him in mid air sometimes when he's jumping off the sofa. I heard that too much exercise could be bad at his age but now I can rest easy when he plays at the dog parks (he goes nuts there).

The other day while at the dog park, Ralphie yelped and then started to limp mid-chase with another dog. He laid down on his side with a limp arm. Then a few minutes later came another dog and he started chasing after the ohter dog. Then we leashed him and had him walk around outside of the fence and his limp seemed to be gone completely. I still have no idea what happened. But he seemed completely fine after a minute or so of lying on the ground.

His short stubby legs are so cute but I worry way too much about them.

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Permalink Reply by Vee Luther on November 1, 2011 at 11:59am

As others have said, it's the jumping up and especially down that's hard on baby joints...just use common sense but remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy!

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Permalink Reply by Wendt Worth Corgi's on November 1, 2011 at 7:08pm

Free exercise is fine...though I always advise a warm up and cool down. Puppies who are not allowed to burn off that energy are harder to work with. A tired puppy is a happy home!!! This exercise of him racing around is strengthening ligaments and muscles, helps with coordination and a dog in shape is less likely to get hurt and moves nicer. It also helps the immune system, cardiovascular, and mind. Nothing worse then to allow a pup moderate exercise. You would be amazed at how much I run my young and older dogs. I hit balls with the bat...kick soccer balls...throw frisbees....and toss balls, ropes, toys having them all run all over. When I start to see them not as eager to bring the ball back to me or plopping down shortly after giving me the ball we walk out for a few minutes and then get a drink. Thats a good sign they are wearing down.