How Much Exercise Does A Dog Need?

As a dog lover, you understand the importance of exercise. You know how important it is to you and your dog to walk your dog every day. You can even attribute this adage to "a tired dog is a good dog". But different dogs require different levels of activity, like one dog might be fine with an old-fashioned leather collar while another needs a sturdy no-pull harness. Have you ever found yourself wondering, "How much exercise does my dog really need?"

The main benefits of exercise for dogs are:

1. Improve physical health

2. Improves mental health

3. Reduce bad behavior due to boredom or anxiety

How much exercise a dog needs depends on several factors, including age, breed, physical fitness/injury, and environment.

We've put together general guidelines for dog exercise, but remember to consider your dog's personality and abilities. Consult a veterinarian before starting an exercise program with your dog! For ideas on how to exercise with your dog, we have a complete guide here.

How much exercise does a puppy need?

Compared to adult dogs, puppies are energetic but have less stamina. They're still growing, which means they need more breaks and their playtime needs to be divided into smaller chunks.

Consider shorter 5-10 minute sessions with your puppy that include training, walking and even playing. Exercise is the key here, and anything that gets your puppy's heart rate up should do the trick.

The longer you and your puppy exercise together, the better you will be able to recognize signs of fatigue and when to stop.

Long walks can be difficult for a developing puppy's body, especially their joints and bones, so starting short walks is usually recommended.

A good guideline is to walk for five minutes each month of the puppy's life, up to twice a day. Therefore, a 12-week-old puppy can safely walk for 15 minutes morning and night.

Exercise for adult dogs

You won't be surprised to hear that this breed plays a role in how much exercise an adult dog needs. While age and fitness are the two biggest factors to consider when exercising a dog, breed is an indicator of their general activity level.

Some of the more active dog breed types that require more exercise include:

terrier

shepherd

Retriever

pointer

scent hound

In general, an adult collie or sport dog needs 60-90 minutes of exercise per day. This should include more strenuous exercise such as running, playing with other dogs, or hiking. Hyperactive dogs may thrive in dog sports like agility or flyball! Balance work is also increasingly popular with pet parents. If morning or evening hours aren't right for your active dog, arranging for them to exercise with a friend at a doggy day care center might just be the ticket.

Some less active dog breed types that require less exercise include:

Toy varieties (Malta, York, Chihuahua)

Giant Breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands)

Brachycephalic, or smush-nosed, breed (Pug, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu)

Adult toys or low-energy breeds require 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. For some dogs, this means walking slowly around the neighborhood. For everyone else, it's a few games in the backyard. Of course, the activity needs of all dogs depend on their age and abilities.

Exercise for older dogs

As dogs age, their gait may become stiff due to arthritis, and they may tire more quickly on walks. Your senior puppy may not be moving as fast or as far as she used to, but exercise is still an important part of her routine! Joint supplements can help relieve stiffness; discuss this option with your veterinarian.

In general, older dogs require approximately 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, divided into two or more "activity periods."

For some dogs, this may mean a standard walk. Swimming may be a good option for dogs with joint problems.

Mental activity is also important

Exercise is not just about physical strength. Mental stimulation plays an important role in a dog's health. Just like physical activity, mental activity can stave off boredom, improve mood, and keep your dog healthy.

All dogs can benefit from mental stimulation, but it is especially important for dogs who are injured or have mobility problems as they age. They may not need as much physical activity anymore, but they still need a good brain workout! Mental activities may include:

1. Educational Toys (Link to Nina Ottosson, a highly regarded Swedish line of educational toys. Click here for video reviews of some popular educational toys.)

2. Obedience training

3. Games such as hide and seek, nose probing, or hospitality hunting

4. Have quality time and eye contact with you

Your dog's health is a family affair, so get everyone involved in your dog's exercise routine. Family walks and games will help you bond with your dog and with each other. Plus, they're good for you too; research proves!

On days when you don't have time to exercise your dog as much as possible, hire a walker or try doggy day care. Exercise helps keep your dog (and you) healthy and well-behaved.