One of the first questions we ask ourselves when considering getting a dog is “how will I fit their daily walks into my schedule?” Most of us have busy lives and even though we would love to take our dogs on long hikes each day, it simply isn’t feasible.
That’s when the next question of “how much exercise does a dog need?” arises. You’ve likely arrived at this post because you don’t have an abundance of time to dedicate to exercising your dog and want to know how much you can give your dog to keep them healthy and happy whilst also juggling all the other commitments on your plate. Let’s jump straight in.
How much exercise is enough for my dog?
The answer to this question is dependent on the dog! Factors such as breed, age and weight will determine the amount of exercise needed. However, according to PetMD generally speaking, dogs should spend between 30 minutes and 2 hours each day being active.
Factors to consider
Age
Puppy
The age of the dog also effects the amount of exercise needed. A puppy has short bursts of energy but also needs more naps during the day so short but often walks are good for them. Their growth plates are still developing so long exercise sessions should be avoided as this can damage the joints and bones which aren’t fully formed.
Senior
You may notice that your senior dog is starting to slow down and take longer to get up but daily exercise is just as important for them as it is for an adult dog. It is crucial that they still exercise in their golden years to keep their joints moving and reduce the chances of becoming obese which can lead to added wear and tear on the joints.
The type of exercise you do with your senior dog will likely change. You may find the need to hang up those running shoes and opt for low-impact walks instead. If you are worried about your senior dog being in pain then it’s best to speak to your vet about pain medication or opt for the holistic approach with a CBD supplement.
Breed
The amount of exercise a dog needs greatly differs between a breed. Herding and working dogs such as Boarder Collies and Siberian Huskies need a lot more exercise than brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs or French Bulldogs.
Size
The size of your dog will also effect the amount of exercise they need. Smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas and Dachshunds will not require as much exercise as a larger dog breed such as a German Shepard or Golden Retriever.
Where should I start?
Because each dog will require a different amount of exercise, you should let your dog tell you how much they need. Start with two 30-minute walks a day. This will probably be one before work and one walk after work. If you find your pup is still pacing and restless then they are telling you they need more exercise. In this case, increase the length of the walk or add in an additional exercise activity such as tug-of-war or fetch.
The exercise will fit around your schedule so if you want to take your dog for an hour-long walk in the evening and a shorter, potty break in the morning then putting all of the exercise in one session is just as good. Just remember to take them for the necessary potty breaks.
Dog Exercise Calculator
Types of exercise for your dog to try
This is where the fun starts. The number of ways to exercise your dog is endless; if you are feeling very creative, you can even make up your own games!
- Hikes in trails
- Walks on the beach
- Indoor dog treadmill
- Running with your dog
- Flirt pole
- Tug-of-war
- Swimming
- DIY agility course
- Dog park
- Fetch
- Hide and seek
The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on a range of factors such as breed, age and size. However, dogs generally should receive between 30 minutes and 2 hours of activity each day to stay fit and healthy. Be sure to listen to your dog and adjust the amount of exercise according to their needs. With a little bit of creativity, you can come up with lots of fun ways for both of you to stay active together!
