Advice from Dr. Marie-Eve Cresci, veterinarian at Vetolistic Clinic.
When you finally bring home your 10-week-old puppies, remember this: their bones don’t even touch yet. They walk with big, soft paws and wobbly steps because their joints are still made entirely of cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments covered by skin. Nothing is fully aligned or firmly connected at this stage.
If you let them run excessively or don’t limit their activity, you risk interfering with their proper growth. Every big jump or excited, bouncy sprint puts stress on their developing bones.
A moderate amount of activity is fine—normal wear and tear is expected—but excessive strain can cause lasting damage.
Allowing a puppy to jump off the couch or bed, taking them on long walks, or letting them move on slippery floors can all harm their forming joints.
You only get one chance to help them grow strong and healthy. A well-built adult dog comes from both excellent breeding and careful early training—not just one or the other.
Once they’re fully grown, you’ll have plenty of time for play and high-impact exercise. For now, keep them calm, and give them the gift of a strong, healthy body that can only be shaped once.
