A question that dog owners often ask is, how much exercise does a dog need?

Dogs come in many shapes, sizes, breeds, and ages. One thing that they all have in common is that dogs need daily exercise.

Daily exercise doesn’t have to be a long strenuous walk, and in fact, this could be harmful to certain dogs. But daily exercise is good for both their physical and mental health, us too! All dogs need to have this included in their daily routine.  

Key Takeaways:

  • Dogs of all ages and breeds require daily exercise for their physical and mental health.
  • The amount of exercise needed depends on factors such as age, breed, and health.
  • Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount and type of exercise for your dog's specific needs.

How Much Should I Exercise My Dog? 

The amount of exercise a dog needs can depend on their age, breed, and health. Generally, dogs should get between 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise each day.

It's always a good idea to speak with a vet about your dog's exercise needs, as they can vary significantly based on the dog's health, age, and breed. The vet can give you an idea of what's appropriate for your specific dog.

Amount of Exercise by Dog Breed and Size

There’s no one size fits all for how much exercise a dog needs. Most dogs will vary in the length of exercise and how strenuous the activity is.

  1. Puppies usually have a lot of energy and need a lot of opportunities to burn it off. They typically have bursts of energy and then sleep for much of the day. Short, frequent bouts of exercise and play, plus socialization activities are recommended.

  2. Adult dogs, particularly active breeds, have the highest exercise needs. Some may require more than an hour of exercise each day. This is particularly true for working breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.

  3. Older dogs still need to be active to keep their bodies strong and their minds sharp, but they may not have the same level of energy as younger dogs. They may be content with shorter, more leisurely walks.

  4. Small breeds don't require as much physical space to move around, so they can often get a lot of their exercise needs met indoors or in a small yard. But they still benefit from regular walks and playtime.

  5. Large breeds often enjoy activities that involve a bit more stamina, like fetching, swimming, or jogging.

Remember, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Training sessions, puzzle toys, socializing with other dogs, and exploring new environments are all great ways to keep your dog's mind active.

Benefits of Exercise for Your Dog 

Regular exercise provides many benefits for your dog, both physically and mentally, such as:

1. Physical Health

Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which can prevent a host of health issues including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis for dogs. It also helps keep your dog's joints flexible and muscles toned.

2. Mental Stimulation

Exercise can also provide mental stimulation for your dog, which is crucial for their overall wellbeing. Exploring new environments, sniffing out new scents, and learning new tricks or commands can all help to keep your dog's mind sharp.

3. Behavioral Benefits

Regular exercise can help reduce common behavioral problems in dogs, such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. Dogs often engage in these behaviors out of boredom or excess energy. Physical activity can help them burn off that energy and promote better behavior.

4. Bonding Time

Exercise is a great way for you and your dog to spend quality time together and strengthen your bond. This can be through walks, playtime, or training sessions.

5. Socialization

Exercise often involves interactions with other dogs and people, which is important for your dog's social skills. Regular exposure to various people, dogs, and environments can help your dog feel more comfortable in different situations.

6. Improved Sleep

Just like humans, dogs tend to sleep better when they've had plenty of exercise.

Factors Influencing the Amount of Exercise for Dogs

Several factors can influence how much exercise your dog can or should get. It's important to consider these factors to ensure your dog is getting the appropriate amount and type of exercise for their individual needs:

  1. Age: Dogs require different amounts and types of exercise by age. Younger dogs generally have a lot of energy and may require several short bursts of activity each day. Older dogs, on the other hand, may not be as energetic or may have health issues that limit their activity.

  2. Breed and Size: Some breeds are naturally more active than others. For instance, working breeds such as Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers often require more exercise than less active breeds like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. Small breeds don't necessarily need less exercise than larger breeds, but the type of activity may differ.

  3. Health Status: If your dog has a health condition, it could limit their exercise capacity. Conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, or obesity can impact the amount and type of exercise your dog should get. Always consult with your vet if your dog has a health condition.

  4. Temperament: Temperament can impact their need for exercise. Some dogs are naturally more active and curious, while others are more laid-back and content to relax.

  5. Weather: The weather can also affect how much you can exercise your dog. In very hot or cold weather, you might need to limit outdoor exercise and find indoor activities instead to prevent overheating or exposure to freezing temperatures.

  6. Diet: The type and amount of food your dog eats can impact their energy levels and therefore their exercise needs. A high-energy dog on a high-quality diet will likely need more exercise than a less active dog or a dog on a diet designed for weight loss.

  7. Spaying/Neutering Status: Unspayed female dogs may have fluctuating energy levels depending on their reproductive cycle, while neutered male dogs may have slightly less energy than their unneutered counterparts.

Conclusion

Daily exercise is very important for dogs and provides them with benefits such as reduced obesity, strengthening of muscles, reduced frustration, less separation anxiety, and an opportunity to bond with their owner.

A common question is how much exercise a dog needs and most dogs will exercise between 30 minutes-2 hours daily depending on their size, breed, and energy level.

If they have any underlying health conditions, this will impact their ability to exercise, so seek advice from their veterinarian on how much they should exercise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is walking enough exercise for a dog?

Yes, walking can provide enough exercise for a dog. Dogs will often walk between 30 minutes and 2 hours daily. 

Is a 20-minute walk enough for a dog?

A 20-minute walk is enough for many small and low-energy dogs or dogs with mobility issues.

How many walks does a dog need each day?

Fit adult dogs can have one walk daily while puppies and older dogs are better suited to shorter 2-3 walks daily.