Ultimate Guide: How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need

Properly Exercising Your Dog

What is the right amount of exercise for a dog to stay healthy? This differs based on the pet age and your dog's health, breed, medical condition, and activity requirements. In this article, we'll guide you through creating a dog exercise plan with tailored training plans for puppies, mature dogs, and seniors, ensuring your pet gets the right amount of activity to thrive.

Key Highlights

  • Adult dogs generally need at least 30 minutes of physical exertion daily, while high-energy breeds may require up to 90 minutes
  • Puppies need short, structured based on their age to avoid over-exertion, with a guideline of 5 minutes of activity per month of age
  • Mental stimulation is as important as physical activities, like interactive toys and training, can help keep dogs engaged and happy

Discover How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need: A Guide for Every Age

Understanding your dog's specific requirements for when it is time to start your dog's exercise routine which is crucial for ensuring their own physical health, well-being and emotional happiness. Daily exercise is essential for maintaining a dog's overall good health. Different breeds and sizes have varying levels of active time, so it's important to tailor their exercise routine to meet their individual requirements. Whether it's daily walks, playful fetch games, or stimulating while providing the right amount of physical activity helps prevent obesity, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.


Knowing your dog's exercise requirements is key to their health and happiness. Mature dogs typically require at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, though this can vary depending on their dog's breed and lifestyle. For high-level activity dogs, like Border Collies, the requirement might be as much as 60 to 90 minutes, that is also vigorous, almost daily. On the other hand, senior dogs still need about 30 minutes of exercise daily, but it should be low-impact. Most dogs require more than just several short walks, but how much daily exercise exactly they need to be optimal varies across a number of factors.


Knowing your dog's requirements in terms of the amount of exercise best suited for their needs is key to their health and happiness. Here are some general guidelines:


  • Adult dogs typically require at least 30 minutes of exercise each day
  • High-energy dogs, like Border Collies, may need 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous workouts daily
  • Senior dogs still need about 30 minutes of exercise daily, but it should be low-impact


Different breeds and certain dogs also have different exercise needs. While some breeds are naturally more active and your dog may require more exercise, others may need less but more consistent throughout the day. Finding the right balance is crucial because excessive and insufficient exercise can lead to more concerning issues. Regular time to exercise your dog is vital for maintaining a dog's overall health, including their body condition and metabolism.


Mental stimulation is as important as physical well-being. Various types require more exercise and can enhance your pet or dog's quality of life and longevity. Whether it's a daily walk, a game of fetch, or even some agility workouts, the key is to keep your dog's exercise habits are balanced and tailored to their specific needs (be weary of too much exercise).

Determining Your Dog's Exercise Needs

Figuring out your dog's exercise routine can be a puzzle, yet it's crucial for their overall physical well-being. The exercise requirements of dogs can vary significantly based on their age, breed, and health. Most dogs love for instance, high-energy, active breeds, like Basset Hounds may require up to 90 minutes of vigorous activity each day, while senior dogs might be comfortable with 30 minutes of low-impact exercise.

Boosting Health and happiness

Exercise goes beyond keeping and exercising your dog fit. It helps manage their weight, supports their muscle tone, and enhances their metabolism. Many dogs, especially those with both physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. To effectively exercise your dog, like playing fetch, agility, and even simple obedience drills can provide the necessary physical activity while also engaging their minds.


Striking the right balance most exercise is crucial. Too much exercise can lead to overexertion, causing joint problems and muscle fatigue, while too little can lead to obesity and behavioral issues. Ensuring your dog gets enough exercise tailored to their specific needs will help them lead a healthier, happier life.

Exercise Requirements for Puppies

Puppies are bundles of love, but their exercise needs are quite different from older more mature dogs. Moderate exercise, such as jogging, hiking on flat trails, and playing fetch, is ideal for young dogs to ensure they get the right amount of physical activity without overexertion. Striking the right balance is necessary to avoid over-exertion. A general rule of thumb is that they should have a maximum of 5 minutes of physical activity for each month of their age, up to twice a day. For example, a four-month-old puppy should get about 20 minutes of exercise twice a day.

Safe and Gentle Play: Tailoring Exercise for Growing Puppies

Short, relaxed walks and play sessions are ideal for young pups. These longer walks will allow them to explore their environment and develop their senses without becoming overly tired. Continuous walking should be limited to two minutes at a time to prevent fatigue. Young dogs also benefit from play that allows them to self-limit their activity, such as playing with other dogs or engaging in short bursts of activity followed by rest.


Avoid rigorous exercises like running until they are fully developed to prevent potential health issues. Structured play sessions that include short walk and bursts of energy followed by rest are perfect for keeping puppies healthy and happy without over-exerting them.

Exercise Needs for Adult Dogs

When adopting an F1BB Goldendoodle or even an F1B English Mini Goldendoodle or an F1 Mini, it is crucial to understand how to exercise dogs properly. Begin by researching reputable breeders and rescues to find available dogs. Contact the selected breeder or rescue to inquire about available dogs and their status.

Keeping Adult Dogs Active

Regular exercise is crucial for older more mature dogs to prevent obesity and improve their overall well-being. Incorporating a variety, such as swimming, agility, or hiking, into senior dog age as their daily activity can help keep them engaged and healthy. These tasks not only provide physical exertion but also stimulate their minds, contributing to their overall happiness mental health, and quality of life.

Senior Dog Exercise Guidelines

Senior dogs require adjustments to their exercises, generally, most dogs have more energy needing less than younger dogs need. Low-impact activities such as gentle walks and playtime are ideal to keep these dogs active.

Adapting Exercise for Senior Dogs

It's important to consider common issues in older dogs, like arthritis or vision loss, to tailor their exercise accordingly. Monitoring weather conditions and selecting grassy or soft trail areas at dog parks can make a significant difference in the comfort and safety of older dogs during active times. Ensuring that they are gentle and accommodating to their needs will help them stay active and healthy in their golden years.

Tailoring Exercise for Different Dog Breeds

Tailoring daily exercise routines according to dog breed categories is essential for meeting their specific activity requirements. Working breeds typically need 1-2 hours of moderate activity, thriving on longer, steady forms of exercise, while herding breeds enjoy that challenge them physically and mentally, such as fetch. In the following subsections, we will explore the specific for high vs low, and giant and Small breeds, helping you design a more effective and enjoyable daily exercise routine for your dog.

High Energy Breeds

High energy breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds require at least two hours and 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. These active breeds need ample time to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Things like running, agility, and interactive games are perfect for burning off their excess energy.


Mental stimulation is also crucial for high energy dog breeds. Engaging them in different tasks that challenge their minds, like puzzle toys and sessions, can significantly benefit their overall health, behavior and happiness.

Low Energy Breeds

Low energy breeds, such sporting breeds such as Basset Hounds and Shih Tzus, these small breeds, often require less exercise than their more active counterparts. These less active breeds thrive on light daily workouts, such as short walks and gentle playtime. Small dog breeds like Shih Tzus typically need about 30 to 45 minutes of light exercise each day.


Consider the specific needs of flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs, as they are less tolerant of long periods of exercise due to breathing difficulties. Tailoring their exercises to include more frequent but shorter sessions of more exercise vigor can help keep them healthy without over-exerting them.

Giant Breeds

Giant breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dogs need about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily to maintain their physical and mental health. The larger breeds not mentioned are Alaskan Malamutes, English Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, and Saint Bernards. These dogs come from various backgrounds and have unique characteristics. Because of their size, low-impact training like swimming are ideal to avoid joint strain.


Giant breeds need ample space to move around comfortably. Tailoring their exercise routines to their specific needs will help them stay healthy and active without putting unnecessary stress on their joints.

Mental Stimulation, Indoor Exercise, and Overexertion

Dogs require both physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain balance and well-being. Short sessions can mentally exhaust them while also strengthening the bond between dog and owner. Interactive toys that challenge dogs to think critically, rewarding them with food, are excellent for mental exercise and engagement. Games like hide and seek encourage problem-solving and utilize their sense of smell. Incorporating mental challenges through training and interactive play is just as vital as physical exercise, helping dogs stay happy and mentally healthy. Overexertion in dogs can lead to serious health problems, with common signs including muscle pain, fatigue, lack of appetite, and mood changes. Rapid breathing or an increase in body temperature during exercise are also warning indicators. If your dog exhibits symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting or stumbling, stop the activity immediately.


Monitoring your dog's exercise intensity and ensuring they aren't overworked is essential, particularly in warm weather or for breeds prone to breathing difficulties. Just open up your browser connection and scan the internet for question page keywords like dog needs or puppy need for when breed dogs have joint pain from a trainer or part of the factors come from their trainer. While daily walks are beneficial, there are many excellent alternatives to keep your dog active. Using a flirt pole or the Sniffspot app, which allows dog owners to rent private spaces for playing and exploration, can provide exciting alternatives to traditional walks. Schedule decompression walks, where dogs move freely in low-stress environments in their new world, are also a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation and physical exertion, making it an easier idea for a dog walker to engage with your pup and help them as they become an adult dog and most importantly completely comfortable around people (either while on a walk or not).

Key Takeaways

In summary, understanding your dog's exercise needs at different life stages is vital. Young dogs thrive on short, frequent playtime; mature dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy; and senior dogs benefit from low-impact activities. All helpful in the people world to schedule just how much exercise your dog will be getting. Tailoring routines based on the amount of exercise your dog needs by look over their breed and activity helps ensure your dog remains happy and healthy. Regular exercise not only maintains physical fitness but also offers important mental stimulation. By consulting your vet and following these guidelines, you'll be prepared to create a balanced and enjoyable exercise routine for your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions


Is walking enough exercise for a dog?

Walking alone may not be enough exercise for most dogs, as it often lacks the mental stimulation and varied physical activity they need. Incorporating play sessions, training, and interactive games can help meet their physical and mental exercise needs.

Is a 20 minute walk enough for a dog?

A 20-minute walk may be sufficient for some low-energy or senior dogs, providing them with light physical activity and mental stimulation. However, most dogs, especially active breeds, require more exercise to meet their physical and mental health needs.

Do dogs need 2 walks a day?

Most dogs benefit from two walks a day as it provides them with regular physical exercise and mental stimulation. This routine helps maintain their physical and mental health, reduces anxiety, and prevents destructive behaviors. However, the exact need varies based on the dog's breed and energy level.

Is 2 hours of exercise a day too much for a dog?

For many dogs, especially high-energy breeds, 2 hours of exercise a day is beneficial and helps maintain their physical and mental health. However, for less active or senior dogs, this might be excessive. Always tailor exercise to your dog's breed, age, and health needs.

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