You don’t have to be a veterinary expert to know how much exercise dogs need every day, you just need to do a bit of research based on your unique pup! Since excess energy often leads to doggy destruction of your home, it’s important to provide your furbaby with adequate outlets for exercise. Additionally, it’s no secret that humans need exercise, too. Reap the benefits of exercise with your doggo!

Popular Exercises For Dogs

All dogs require exercise, but the amount varies between size, age, health, and breed. Most dogs need between 30 minutes and 2 hours of daily exercise. Larger dogs require more exercise than their smaller counterparts. Flat nosed dogs (like bulldogs and pugs) require the least amount of exercise out of any breed. Since most dogs won’t get the exercise they need on their own, simply letting them outside into the yard isn’t sufficient. Conversely, you need to make sure you aren’t over-exercising your dog. A good rule of thumb is to stop the activity when your pup begins to slow down.

Large dogs are more likely to develop joint issues, so daily exercise is particularly important for them. Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and keeps their muscles and joints strong.

Popular Exercises For Dogs Include:

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Fetch
  • Going to the beach
  • Going to a dog park
  • Using an agility course
  • Swimming
  • Draft work (like sledding)

We get it, the weather isn’t always ideal for outdoor activities. We’ve rounded up the best indoor exercises for your pup. When you’re done paw-mping iron, make sure you reward your dog. Just like humans, pups appreciate a tasty treat after a good workout.

How Much Exercise Does A Puppy Need?

Puppies often have more energy than adult dogs and require more exercise in short bursts. Since puppies are constantly growing, a few short walks or activities throughout the day is a safer choice than going for one vigorous long walk, as this can be too hard on your puppy’s body. If you have a large breed puppy, keep vigorous activity to a minimum until they reach at least a year old. It's not safe to over exercise these big babies because their skeleton hasn't fully developed yet.

How Much Exercise Does An Adult Dog Need?

The required exercise for an adult dog is fully dependent on the breed. Breeds like Border Collies require much more exercise than Basset Hounds. If you have a mixed breed pup, keep your dog’s diverse heritage in mind as you create an exercise plan for them. Although medical conditions are more common in older dogs, dogs can develop them at any age. Talk to your vet about the best exercise options for your dog if they have conditions like hip dysplasia, or heart or respiratory issues.

How Much Exercise Does A Senior Dog Need?

Senior dogs will certainly be slower than they were in their hayday. You may need to reduce your pup’s daily run to a brisk walk, or shorten the distance of your walks. Like humans, exercise can help keep dogs’ minds sharp and help prevent obesity.