How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

The reason dogs have so many friends is because they wag their tails instead of their tongues.” – Author Unknown

Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay happy, healthy, and well-behaved. But how much exercise is enough?

The answer depends on your dog’s…

• age
• breed
• size
• overall health

Understanding your dog’s specific exercise needs is the key to keeping her physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Why Exercise Is Essential for Dogs

Regular exercise benefits your dog in many ways. It helps maintain a healthy weight, builds muscle tone, and supports cardiovascular health. But exercise is not just about physical fitness…You may not know this, but exercise also helps reduce behavioral problems. A tired dog is less likely to chew up your shoes, bark excessively, or dig up the backyard out of boredom.

General Exercise Guidelines by Age

• Puppies: Puppies are full of energy, but they tire quickly.
  • Because their bones and joints are still developing, exercise should be short and gentle.
  • A good rule of thumb is about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day.
    • For example, a 4-month-old puppy can handle around 20 minutes of exercise at a time.
  • Short walks, playtime in the yard, and basic training sessions are ideal.
• Adult Dogs: Healthy adult dogs typically need between 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day.
  • This can be broken up into walks, play sessions, or off-leash time at a dog park.
  • Dogs with high energy levels may need even more activity to stay content.
• Senior Dogs: Even though they are older, senior dogs still need exercise, but it should be gentler and shorter than when they were younger.
  • Daily walks and low-impact activities like swimming or indoor games help maintain mobility and prevent weight gain.

Breed-Specific Needs

Exercise requirements can vary dramatically depending on breed. Here are a few examples:

• High-energy breeds (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers): These dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation—at least 1-2 hours a day.

• Moderate-energy breeds (Beagles, Cocker Spaniels): Typically require about an hour of daily activity.

• Low-energy breeds (Bulldogs, Basset Hounds): These dogs are more laid-back and often content with shorter walks and some playtime, around 30 minutes a day.

There are always exceptions and individual differences to the “rule of thumb.” Even within a breed, energy levels can vary based on personality and lifestyle.

Types of Exercise to Consider

• Walks: A daily walk (or two!) is the foundation of a dog’s exercise routine.

  • It’s also great for bonding and giving your dog mental stimulation through new sights and smells.

• Playtime: Fetch, tug-of-war, or chasing a ball in the yard are fun and effective ways to burn energy.

• Dog parks: If your dog enjoys socializing, dog parks offer a chance to run freely and play with others.

• Training games and puzzles: Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity.

  • Puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience training sessions keep your dog’s brain sharp.

• Hiking and swimming: If your dog enjoys adventure, hiking trails or a swim in the lake can be a great way to get extra exercise.

How is Your Dog’s Health?

Your dog’s overall health plays an important part in determining how much exercise she should have. If she has chronic health problems, you should consult with your vet to determine what amount of exercise is good for your dog.

Watch for Signs of Too Much or Too Little

If your dog is restless, destructive, or gaining weight, she may not be getting enough exercise.

On the other hand, if she seems sore, reluctant to move, or excessively tired after an activity, you may be pushing her too hard. Pay attention to her cues and adjust accordingly.

Getting It Right…

Getting the right amount of exercise is an important part of your dog’s good health and happiness. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, knowing your dog’s age, breed, and personality will help you create the perfect routine.

At BowWow Fun Towne…

Dogs are our business, and our friends, and we understand how important your dog is to you.