Goldendoodles were created to combine the even temperament and sweet nature of Golden Retrievers with the uncanny intelligence and allergy-friendly coat of the Poodle into one extraordinary crossbreed.
The resulting puppies are the best of both breeds and usually packed with energy!
You’re probably wondering how you’ll harness that energy and get them the exercise they need and really look forward to.
How much exercise does a Goldendoodle puppy need? Goldendoodles are fairly energetic and growing puppies will need daily exercise and play. Experts often suggest using the rule-of-thumb of 5 minutes for every month of age up to two times per day. So for a 4-month-old puppy, 20 minutes of exercise twice each day would be sufficient.
3 Months Old = 15 Minutes (Twice a day)
6 Months Old = 30 Minutes (Twice a day)
9 Months Old = 45 Minutes (Twice a day)
‘4 On The Floor’ Rule: Be careful with your puppy, as repetitive, high-impact motions can cause damage to their developing joints. They love jumping, but try to limit them jumping on and off couches, beds, stairs, and other high surfaces.
Bringing home a new puppy is similar to bringing home a human baby…and to some, puppies are their ‘babies’. If you’re anything like me, you’d still be left with questions about the right kinds of exercises for puppies, walking them (how often and how long walks should be), and even the exercise needs of an older more mature Goldendoodle. Well don’t stop here – we’ll be digging into all of that next!
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Suitable Types of Exercises for Puppies
Puppies learn all about the world around them and figure out their part in it through play.
They learn which items are acceptable to play with and which ones get them into trouble.
Proper puppy etiquette is learned through play, as well as the relationship between cause and effect (drop toy in water, toy gets soggy).
Aside from short walks around the block, how can you make sure that your puppy is getting enough daily exercise without risking permanent injury to his fragile little body?
Believe it or not, the answer is quite simple. Play with him!
Puppies Love Playtime!
[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”cdgvg6gcvnzwvhb5a8rs” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1607182037/rd5xk1axqq41dprzlips.jpg” title=”Meet 6 Adorable Goldendoodles” volume=”70″]So, how and what should you play with your sweet little Goldendoodle?
Well, games such as hide-and-seek will provide a good workout for your pup and mentally stimulate him as well.
(Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Mental Stimulation for a complete explanation and useful tips and ideas.)
A toned-down version of fetch is appropriate too. Just don’t throw the ball very far or play until he drops from exhaustion.
Tug-of-war is always fun, but remember to let your puppy do all the tugging.
You just hold the other end and enjoy watching him exert all his little might into pulling that toy out of your grasp.
Be sure to let him win occasionally to boost his confidence.
This ball/tug-of-war toy is ideal for playful pups as it is perfect for gentle games of fetch and can double as a tug-of-war toy. The best of both worlds and it’s just the right size for puppies’ mouths.
Gentle wrestling matches are a natural occurrence among littermates, so recreate this game with your Goldendoodle.
Keep in mind that puppies, like children, are constantly testing their limits, so if your pup becomes a bit too rambunctious or nippy during wrestling, it is clearly time to teach him the “No!” command.
Puppies are pretty good about showing you when they’ve had enough. When you notice them lying down to rest, generally slowing down, or panting…it’s time for a break. The younger they are, the more rest time they’ll need.
This chart will give you a better idea of what’s good for a puppy and what might be a bit too much.
| Perfect for Puppies | A Bit Too Much |
| Walks around the block on a leash, keeping it casual and fun. |
Jogging or biking for any significant stretch might be too much for a smaller puppy. Don’t make them keep up with you, go at her pace. |
| Free play in the yard with some toys. Let them run and play and have fun with them! If things get too exciting, try and calm them a bit. | Long stretches of running and really vigorous play at the puppy stage might be too much. |
| Walking around the house is always fine for a pup, you can guide him or her along with you to get some exercise. | Climbing stairs, hills, or really long stretches of strenuous activity, you need to watch for signs they are okay. |
| A fun game of fetch or tug-of-war is a popular way to get in some exercise with puppies around the world! | Again watch for signs of too much. Puppies are still growing and developing. Too much can put strain on their joints at this age. |
How Often Should I Walk My Goldendoodle Puppy?
Understandably, many new Goldendoodle owners are eager to take their puppy on long walks to show him off to as many people as possible.
As tempting as this may be, it is not in your pup’s best interest. Two short walks per day is plenty. Excessive exercise can actually harm a puppy’s growing body.
You see, when puppies are actively growing, their joints and skeletal systems are not yet fully developed.
Bones have not yet fully solidified and the growth plates found at the ends of the long leg bones are still open, soft, and prone to injury.
Activities that involve repetitive, jarring movements, such as landing after catching an airborne Frisbee, should be put off until the puppy is at least 12 months old.
High-impact exercises that put pressure on joints, like agility weave poles, should be avoided as well. Also, refrain from forced exercise, like biking with your leashed puppy.
Bear in mind the general rule of 5 minutes of exercise for each month of age up to two times per day, and remember that going for a walk is exercise.
This means that if you walk your 2-month-old puppy for 10 minutes in the morning and again that evening, his exercise needs have been met.
Not all of a Goldendoodle’s exercise should come from walking though. Playtime is critical to puppy development and does indeed count as exercise.
Vary your puppy’s exercise routine by using both walks and playtime to meet his daily workout requirements.
This 75+ page book is jam-packed with expert knowledge and real experiences from Goldendoodle owners and breeders alike. Consider this the ultimate owner’s guide for the breed with tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions – saving you time, money, and loads of frustration along the way.
How Much Exercise Does a Goldendoodle Need Daily?
As Goldendoodles mature, the amount of daily exercise needed increases because they are not spending as much energy growing as they once were.
On average, an adult Goldendoodle needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day to stay fit and in good condition.
Exercise not only keeps your Goldendoodle in tip-top shape but also:
- prevents obesity.
- reduces behavioral issues.
- promotes cardiovascular health.
- strengthens muscles to help prevent injury.
- aids in proper digestion.
- provides physical, mental, and social stimulation.
- improves mobility.
Signs Your Goldendoodle Might Not Be Getting Enough Exercise
Many Goldendoodles are just as fond of lounging around the house as they are of playing outside and can become couch potatoes rather easily if you let them.
If you notice your Goldendoodle has recently packed on some added pounds, he could probably benefit from some additional exercise.
Destructive behavior is another sign that your Goldendoodle is not receiving enough of a workout every day.
Due to their Retriever heritage, Goldendoodles can develop a tendency to chew on items that are off-limits when they are bored or frustrated by pent-up energy.
(This article is full of tips to help you deal with puppy biting.)
Increasing daily exercise and providing chew toys (these are a bargain and perfect for small mouths) should quickly remedy this behavior.
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Excessive amounts of energy are a telltale sign that more physical activity is needed.
Each dog has unique energy levels and some need more exercise than others do in order to burn off that extra energy.
If your Goldendoodle explodes out the door when you let him out to play and madly dashes around in endless laps around the yard, consider adding another walk or vigorous play session each day.
Do Goldendoodles tend to be naturally hyper? Find the answer here.
Goldendoodles who have trouble keeping up on a walk or tire quickly when playing might be out of shape, provided that there are no medical issues causing the lack of stamina.
Gradually increase exercise sessions until he is fit once again. (This Complete Exercise Guide is full of fun, creative ways to increase your dog’s physical activity.)
How to Exercise Your Adult Goldendoodle
Although taking your Goldendoodle for a walk is terrific exercise for both of you, it shouldn’t be the only form of exercise your dog receives.
Like people, dogs can grow bored of the same routine day after day, so spice up his exercise program now and then with some variety.
Games such as fetch, hide-and-seek, Frisbee, and tug-of-war are great ways to give your dog a healthy workout while having a blast at the same time.
Because the Goldendoodle is the product of two breeds bred for their retrieving skills, fetch is a particular favorite among Goldendoodles.
However, you’ll soon discover that throwing that slobbery ball over and over again can wear you out before your Doodle runs out of steam.
Investing in a ball launcher, like this one on Amazon, allows you to throw the ball for greater distances with a flick of your wrist.
Best of all, your days of bending over repeatedly to pick up the ball are over and your hands never have to make contact with that quivering slobber again!
Try going for a hike on a nature trail or for a quick swim (most Goldendoodles LOVE to swim) to liven things up.
Jogging with your Goldendoodle on a different route than usual can add a bit of variety as well.
Look into dog sports such as agility or flyball, and set up your own version in your backyard.
Dog sports not only provide plenty of exercise but also lots of mental stimulation which your Goldendoodle needs.
(See our Guide to Goldendoodle Happiness for tips on keeping your buddy’s mind sharp and active.)
If you are looking to deepen the trust and loving bond that you and your four-legged buddy share, this is the way to go.
Surprise! Needs May Vary 
I think we’ve summed things up pretty well for you and hope that by this point you have a good understanding of just how much exercise Goldendoodles need on a daily basis.
But here’s the kicker…Goldendoodles are NOT ALL THE SAME.
While chances are good that you’re going to get an active pup, you might not.
Or you might find that your Goldendoodle prefers endless games of fetch at the park as opposed to multiple long walks each day.
Expose them to a variety of activities and let them find out what they enjoy most. And give them some variety!
Goldendoodles are uniquely wonderful, but there’s so much to learn! Don’t miss key tips and answers to your questions. We have more than 30 articles on this delightful breed. Click here to see them all.
Related Questions:
How Much Should a Goldendoodle Puppy Eat?
A puppy should eat enough to maintain optimum body condition.
Experts recommend estimating the future adult weight of the dog and then using an online puppy feeding chart like Purina’s to determine the correct amount to feed.
Just remember to divide that amount into three or four small meals per day.
Not all dog food is equal. Be sure to read our Ultimate Guide to the Best Dog Food to learn how to correctly interpret ingredient lists.
When Do Goldendoodles Stop Growing?
Crossbreeds like Goldendoodles can grow at varying speeds depending on which parent breed’s growth pattern they inherit.
Generally, dogs reach their full height by 12 months of age and can continue to fill out until their second birthday. Smaller dogs usually finish growing earlier than larger ones.
You can learn more about Goldendoodle growth rates and sizes in this article. And don’t forget to grab your copy of The Owner’s Guide to the Perfect Goldendoodle today.
All of your questions answered (even those you haven’t thought to ask yet) in one place. It’s the only Goldendoodle book you’ll need – the one you’ll turn to again and again.
Last update on 2024-04-26 at 01:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
