How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining your dog’s overall health and happiness. Not only does it support a healthy body weight, but it also strengthens heart health, provides much-needed mental stimulation, and serves as an effective tool to prevent unwanted behaviours. Dogs that lack adequate exercise may become bored, anxious, or even destructive, making exercise essential to their well-being. However, understanding exactly how much exercise your dog needs can be challenging, as it depends on several factors unique to your pet.

Factors That Influence Your Dog’s Exercise Needs

Breed

Certain dog breeds are naturally more active and will require more exercise than others. Breeds such as Border Collies, Retrievers, and Springer Spaniels may need up to one to two hours of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy. In contrast, smaller or less active breeds may require significantly less. A good resource, like the PDSA’s breed advice chart, can help determine the right exercise needs for your specific breed.

Age

A dog’s exercise needs change throughout its life. Puppies, while energetic, need their exercise carefully monitored to protect their growing joints, gradually increasing in intensity as they mature. Adult dogs will benefit from regular, sustained activity to keep them fit, while senior dogs, though they may slow down, still require regular, shorter walks to maintain muscle tone and mobility. My own dogs provide a perfect example—my one-year-old Springer mix thrives on intense, longer walks, while my 14-year-old Collie mix prefers two shorter walks instead of one long one.

Health

If your dog is unwell or recovering from an injury, it’s important to adjust their exercise routine accordingly. In such cases, rest is often as beneficial as exercise. However, you can keep their minds engaged through mental stimulation activities, such as puzzle feeders or snuffle mats, to prevent boredom while they recover.

Fitness

Just like humans, dogs need time to build up their fitness. If you’re increasing your dog’s exercise routine, do so gradually to avoid injuries. You wouldn’t go from no exercise to running a marathon overnight, and the same rule applies to your pet.

Personality

Every dog has its own preferences when it comes to exercise. If your dog isn’t enjoying their routine, they may not get the full benefit of it. Engaging them in breed-specific activities can make their walks more enjoyable and stimulating. For instance, some dogs love retrieving, playing scent games, or even a good game of tug of war. Activities like these can engage their natural instincts, help burn off energy, and keep their brains working.

Tailoring Exercise to Your Dog’s Unique Needs

Knowing your dog’s individual needs will help you craft an exercise routine that’s beneficial for both their body and mind. As dogs age, their needs will change, and it’s important to be flexible with your approach. Keep an eye on how they respond to different activities and adjust as necessary to ensure they remain happy, healthy, and engaged. Incorporating mental challenges or breed-specific games can elevate their experience, making exercise a fun and stimulating part of their day.

Ultimately, exercise isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s a cornerstone of your dog’s mental and emotional health too. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a high-energy game of fetch, the key is finding what works best for your dog’s unique personality and needs.of every treat, keeping them happy, healthy, and close to us.