Exercise and play
How do I adjust exercise for a puppy going through a growth spurt?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A puppy going through a rapid growth spurt, common in the weeks a large breed puppy visibly changes proportions, often becomes temporarily clumsy and less coordinated, so shortening walks slightly, avoiding stairs and jumping, and sticking to flat, even ground during this stretch reduces the chance of a stumble related strain.
Why growth spurts affect coordination
Bones can lengthen faster than the surrounding muscles and tendons adjust to the new proportions, leaving a puppy temporarily less steady on its feet, tripping over its own legs, or misjudging distances it normally handles easily.
Adjusting activity during this window
Sticking to flat, familiar ground, avoiding stairs and jumping onto furniture, and trimming walk length slightly for a week or two until coordination catches up reduces the risk of an awkward stumble turning into an actual strain.
Watching for the spurt to settle
Most puppies regain their usual coordination within 1 to 3 weeks as muscles and body awareness catch up to the new size, after which normal activity levels can resume without any lasting adjustment needed.
Key takeaways
- Bones can outpace muscle and tendon development during a growth spurt, temporarily affecting coordination.
- Flat ground, fewer stairs, and shorter walks reduce strain risk during a clumsy growth phase.
- Coordination typically returns to normal within 1 to 3 weeks once the growth spurt settles.