How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Really Need?
There is no substitute for exercise to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. But how much exercise does your dog really require? It varies based on breed, age, size, and existing health condition.
Well, some dogs may need a few hours of activity per day to stay happy and healthy, while some dogs need short walks and a little play time; The correct amount of exercise for your Dachshund will prevent obesity and boredom and therefore the behavior that leads to destructive behavior and/or anxiety.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✔ Why varying breeds have various exercise requirements
✔ Factors like age, size, and condition affecting exercise needs
✔ Best types of activities for different dogs
✔ Lack of (or excess) exercise in your dog
✔Tips to keep your dog socially engaged and active
With this article, by the end, you will know how much exercise your dog requires and how to give it to him with all perfection!
Things That Influence A Dog’s Need For Exercise
While there are many factors that determine how much exercise your dog needs, dogs are all unique.
1. Breed and Energy Level
The genetics of the breed also plays a big role in dog energy level.
Strong Breeds (1.5 – 2+ Hours/Daily)
🐾 Border Collies
🐾 Siberian Huskies
🐾 Australian Shepherds
🐾 Labrador Retrievers
🐾 Jack Russell Terriers
These dogs were bred for work, herding, or hunting and require lots of activity every day to remain content and avoid behavioral issues.
Moderate-Energy Breeds (1 – 1.5 Hours a Day)
🐾 Golden Retrievers
🐾 Boxers
🐾 Cocker Spaniels
🐾 Dalmatians
🐾 Standard Poodles
These dogs still require frequent exercise but are not as high-energy as active breeds.
Breeds That Don´t Require Much Exercise (30 Minutes – 1 Hour Each Day)
🐾 Bulldogs
🐾 Basset Hounds
🐾 Great Danes
🐾 Shih Tzus
🐾 Pugs
These dogs are not very active and require shorter walks and playtime. But they do need to move around to remain fit, of course.
2. Age and Life Stage
✔ Puppies (3 - 6 Months): Shorter periods of exercise are needed (5 min per month of age, 2–3 times a day). Do not tire them too much because their bones are not fully formed yet.
✔ Grown-up Dogs (1 – 7 Years): Requires a familiar daily routine of exercise relative to the breed and power.
✔ Senior Dogs (7+ Dakika): Yavaş, nazik egzersiz en iyisidir. Short walks or swimming are also good low-impact activities to keep remained mobile.
3. Size and Weight
Chihuahuas, Dachshunds — Small breeds need to be walked often, but they generally require short walks.
✔ Most of the larger breeds (the true heavyweight if you will, German Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs) stretch their walks out longer and shun excessive jumping to keep joints from being compromised.
Overweight dogs should have their activity increased gradually to avoid stressing joints.
4. Health Condition
✔ Ideal for low-impact exercise for dogs with joint issues (arthritis, hip dysplasia)
✔ Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs) can struggle to breath and require short, slow walks in the cool.
✔ If your dog has any health issues, please contact your vet before starting a new exercise routine
Types of Exercise for Dogs
One also can keep your dog active in various other ways. Select activities based on your dog personality and wants.
1. Go for Walks (This is Needed by Every Dog)
✔ A great way to entertain your body as well as your mind
✔ Dogs can sniff around
✔ Keep it spontaneous, shake up the routes and pace
Ideal for: All dogs, but high-energy dogs will require lots of extra exercise
2. Running and Jogging
✔ Best suited for high energy breeds such as Huskies, Border collies, and Weimaraners
✔ Improves cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength
✔ Ideal in the colder months as it could cause overheating
✔ Designed for: Active and playful pups
3. Playing Fetch
✔ Appeals to a dog’s instinct to chase
✔ Good for excercise the mind
✔ Good in a fenced yard or open pasture
Ideal for: Retrievers, Border Collies, and other working breeds
4. Swimming
✔ Great for dogs with joint problems since it is a low-impact activity
✔ Assists in cooling canines during warm weather
✔This is always: supervise and have a dog life vest on the pup.
Ideal For: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and dogs with joint pain
5. Agility Training
Obstacle courses → As both a mental and physical challenge
✔ Self-confidence and problem-solving skills
✔ Can do it at home or may attend professional agility classes
Ideal For: Smart and high-energy dogs
6. Play Among Other Dogs (Dog Parks and Playdates)
✔ Helps improve social skills
✔ Primes them for Natural Pack behavior
✔ Watch compatibility between dogs to avoid arguments
Suitable for: Dogs that have been socialized and are friendly with people
How To Know If Your Dog Requires More Exercise
However, if your dog is not receiving enough exercise, there are signs of behavioral and health problems to look out for, as follows:
🐾 Want of property damage (chomped up furniture, burrowing ground openings)
🐾 Barking or whining excessively
🐾 Indoor hyperactivity and fidgetiness
🐾 Weight gain or obesity
❗️Restlessness at night or difficulty falling asleep
If you see these signs then slowly increase exercise & see the difference.
Profusely sweating and panting heavily for prolonged periods can mean your dog is exercising too much.
Exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, but this can also prove to be counter-productive. Watch for signs like:
🚩 Limping or stiffness
🚩 Profound lethargy or a lack of initiative
🚩 Heat Stroke (panting too much, hyper salivation, or dry / dehydration)
🚩 Not continuing to walk or walking very slowly
If your dog displays any of these symptoms, take it down a notch, and see a vet if necessary.
The Ultimate Exercise Plan for Your Dog
✔ Take into account your dog’s breed, age, and health requirements
✔ Select different types of activities to maintain enjoyment in exercise
✔ Create a regular routine (walking in the morning and at night is the best)
✔ Do based on the energy levels and also part of the weather conditions.
✔ Watch for signs of overexertion / boredom
Every pup is different, and it may take some time until the routine is just right.
Conclusion
Daily exercise is needed for your dogs health and mind. With knowledge of your dog and their individual needs, you can develop a plan for exercise to keep them healthy and happy and prevent them from developing behavioural issues.
✔ High-energy breeds require at least 1.5 – 2+ hours of exercise every day
✔ Low - moderate energy breeds require 30 minutes - 2 hours on average
30 Minutes – 1 Hour daily for a low-energy breeds
✔ Puppies and old pups require exercise modifications
✔ Find a good balance of walking, running, play, and thinking