How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
It’s important that dogs get plenty of exercise every day. Big or small, young or old, every dog needs daily exercise to lead healthy and happy lives. Without proper exercise, your pup may become bored, restless, frustrated and unhealthy. Although a general rule of thumb for most dogs is 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day, different dogs may require different amounts of activity.
Puppies
Puppies are bundles of energy, but get tired out very quickly, so they don’t need as much exercise as adult dogs. As they’re constantly growing and take frequent naps, shorter but more regular exercise sessions are important. There should be at least two 30-45 minute exercise sessions a day. For a puppy, exercise can be as simple as playing and short walks. Get more expert advice about a puppy’s exercise requirements here.
Adult Dogs
While age and health play a big role in how much exercise your dog needs, their breed is also a good indicator of their general activity level. Herding or sporting breeds typically require 60-90 minutes of daily rigorous exercise. This can include running, playing with other dogs, hiking, playing fetch, etc. Dog breeds that require more exercise include:
- Terriers
- Shepherd
- Retrievers
- Pointers
- Scent hounds
Adult toy breeds or low energy pups should receive about 30-60 minutes of daily activity. Dogs that need a bit less exercise include:
- Toy breeds (Maltese, Yorkies, Chihuahuas)
- Giant breeds (Great Danes, Newfoundlands)
- Smush nosed breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs)
While these are good rules of thumb, every dog is different and may require an individualized exercise program based on their health, age, weight and medical history. Get expert advice on how to craft a safe exercise program for your dog here.
Don’t have time to give your dog their required amount of exercise? With Dogtopia’s doggie daycare, we exercise your pup and ensure they get proper socialization and ample play time. Playrooms are grouped by size, personality and play style to make sure your dog is safe and comfortable. Learn more today!
