05/31/2026
GROWING PUPPIES NEED MOVEMENT, NOT MARATHONS 🐾
One of the most common mistakes we see with growing puppies comes from a good place…
People want to give them plenty of exercise.
The problem is that more exercise is not always better exercise.
Large breed puppies have growth plates that remain open much longer than most people realize. During this stage, their bones, joints, and soft tissues are still developing, making them more vulnerable to injury from excessive repetitive impact.
What we LOVE to see:
✔ Free play
✔ Exploring new environments
✔ Swimming
✔ Natural movement
✔ Confidence-building adventures
What we try to avoid in growing puppies:
⚠ Forced running
⚠ Long-distance jogging
⚠ Repetitive jumping
⚠ Excessive retrieves
⚠ Repetitive stair climbing
One thing that makes retrievers unique is that many of them will continue working long after they should stop. They love retrieving, running, swimming, and being part of the action. It becomes our responsibility to know their limits while they’re still growing.
Research consistently shows that maintaining a healthy body weight during growth can significantly reduce orthopedic stress and help support long-term joint health.
The goal isn’t to keep puppies inactive.
The goal is to provide the RIGHT kind of activity at the RIGHT stage of development.
Move them.
Don’t overdo them.
Protect their growth.
Invest in their future. 🐾
📍 Best Retrievers
194 Stockade Ranch Rd.
Paige, TX 78659
📞 512-409-8222
📧 [email protected]
