Most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. A quick walk around the block probably won’t cut it for your best bud.

As a dog walker, I witness the results of regular exercise on a daily basis. Dogs start off jumping, excited, happy, and ready for a great walk. They return tired, subdued, and ready for a quiet afternoon. 

All dogs are different, you are the best judge of how much exercise benefits your dog. This article highlights factors that will help you decide how much exercise your dog needs.

Factors That Influence How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs

Not all dogs are alike. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on a few different factors. Age and breed are the two biggest factors to consider.

Age

Different stages of your dog’s life will play a big role in how much exercise they need.

Puppies

Puppies have lots of energy, but less stamina than an adult dog. They are still growing, which means that exercise should be broken up into smaller chunks of time.

A good guideline is 5 minutes of walking, (or training or playing) per month of your pup’s life.

For example, using this guideline, a 3-month-old puppy can go on a 15-minute walk twice a day.

Adult Dogs

Adult dogs generally require thirty minutes to two hours of exercise each day. This will vary depending on breed.

Sport Breeds: Retrievers, Pointers, Setters, and Spaniels Require sixty to ninety minutes of exercise each day. This should include fast-paced exercise such as running, playing with other dogs, and hiking, to name a few.

Working Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers, Huskies, Rottweillers, etc. Require at least sixty minutes of long, consistent exercise. The dog park and hiking are great activities for these dogs.

Herding Breeds: Collies, Sheepdogs, and Shepherds Require sixty to ninety minutes of exercise each day. A game of hide and seek with their treats is a great way to exercise their intelligent minds, along with physical activity.

Flat-Faced Breeds (brachycephalic): Bull Dogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc. Have a lower exercise tolerance due to their breathing constraints. A few minutes of activity in the summer heat is more than enough. Exercise with air conditioning indoors may be your best bet.

Toy and Small Breeds: Maltese, Yorkies, Chihuahua, etc. Smaller amounts of exercise, multiple times a day are best for these dogs.

Large and Giant Breeds: Mastiffs, Great Danes, Newfoundlanders, etc. Many of these big dogs are prone to hip and joint issues. Try a range of exercises that don’t put a continual strain on their legs.

Swimming is a great low-impact exercise. Try and avoid long endurance activities with large and giant breeds.

Senior Dogs

Thirty minutes of exercise a day is recommended. This can be broken up into smaller chunks throughout the day if required. You are the best judge of your dog’s ability.

Swimming is easier on the joints if that’s a consideration for you.

Tips For Exercising Your Dog

Outdoor or indoor, your dog loves to exercise! Here are some tips to put a smile on your pooch’s cute face.

Outdoors

Give your dog time to build up stamina. When starting out on a new exercise, gradually increase the intensity, just like you would yourself.

A harness is recommended for running or hiking, especially if your dog is a puller.

Warm up before strenuous exercise and cool down after. A gentle walk will do the trick in both instances.

Hot weather alert: Avoid the hot midday sun and stick with dawn and dusk hours for exercising.

Hot pavement is painful for your dog’s paws, they don’t wear shoes!

Indoors

A dog treadmill is a good way to keep your pup exercised throughout the winter months.

Obstacle courses help keep your dog stimulated and moving.

Hide-and-seek treats are a fun way for your pooch to use its brain while burning some energy searching for delicious snacks.

Tug of War is a great game that doesn’t require too much room. Just watch for when your dog becomes a bit too competitive. It’s time to move on.

Hallway fetch is always a crowd-pleaser.

How To Exercise Your Dog When You Have A Busy Schedule

There are some effective ways to exercise your dog on those hectic days when time is elusive. 

1. Combine your and your pooch’s exercise. Jogging and hiking are two great activities for both of you.
2. Doggy daycare can be a lifesaver. They’ll get plenty of supervised play which should tire them out pretty well.
3. A neighbour who has a playful dog is a great scenario. In my experience, there’s nothing quite like good play with another dog to tire them out. Even a short play session can help burn off their excess energy.
4. Hire a dog walker (ahm,ahm): A trusted dog walker ensures your pup gets their exercise without you having to rush home to take them out.

Exercising Your Dog Safely

Long walks for a puppy can be hard on their developing joints and bones, so short walks or playing sessions multiple times a day is safer than one long walk. 

Puppies should not be overexposed to the outside world until they are fully vaccinated. Consider exercising your puppy indoors or in your own yard until fully vaccinated.

A heat warning for humans applies to your pooch as well. Take extreme caution and offer water regularly when exercising your dog in the summer heat. Early morning and later evening walks are best.

Walking your pooch off-leash is amazing for burning off their energy, just make sure they have good recall before you let them run free. A long line can be a good compromise in the meantime. 

If you’re ever unsure about the type of exercise or duration that is best for your dog, always consult your vet.

Big, small, young, and young-at-heart, all dogs need exercise. How much and what type of exercise will depend on your dog. 

With some trial and error, you’ll find a balance of exercise that keeps your dog healthy and happy, no matter their age.

What Next?

Why not make some frozen dog treats to help your pooch cool down after their exercise? Here are some great recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions