Exercise and play
How much running can a dog do at different life stages?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Puppies should not run distances alongside a bike or jogger until growth plates close, roughly 9 to 18 months depending on size. Adult dogs in good condition can typically build up to 5 to 10 km several times a week, while senior dogs generally do better trading running for brisk walking and swimming.
Puppyhood: building the base, not the mileage
During growth, free running at the dog's own pace in a garden or field is fine, but forced, sustained running at a set pace should wait until a vet confirms the dog is skeletally mature.
Adulthood: gradual mileage increases
Healthy adult dogs of athletic breeds can often build toward 5 to 10 km runs a few times a week over several months, increasing distance by roughly 10 percent a week and always with a warm up walk first.
The senior years: shifting the goal
Most dogs do better trading structured running for brisk walking, hill walking, or swimming once early signs of stiffness or slowing appear, usually somewhere past 7 years for medium and large breeds.
Key takeaways
- Forced distance running should wait until growth plates close.
- Adult dogs can build running distance gradually, roughly 10 percent more per week.
- Senior dogs generally do better swapping running for lower impact activity like swimming.