How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Really Need?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer

There are plenty of general guidelines around dog exercise, but it's important not to treat them as a strict target that every dog needs to hit.

Two dogs of the same breed can have completely different energy levels. Likewise, a young, energetic dog will have very different needs from an older dog who prefers a slower stroll.

Rather than focusing entirely on the number of minutes or miles, think about the quality of your dog's exercise too.

A good routine should give your dog opportunities to:

• Move their body
• Explore their surroundings
• Sniff and investigate
• Socialise appropriately
• Practise training
• Enjoy new experiences
• Relax afterwards

Sometimes a shorter walk packed with sniffing and enrichment can be more rewarding than simply walking for longer.

Puppies: little legs, lots to learn

Puppies are full of energy, but that doesn't necessarily mean they need hours of exercise.

Their bodies are still developing, so exercise needs to be appropriate for their age and individual development. Too much strenuous or repetitive exercise can put unnecessary strain on growing bodies.

For puppies, exploration and learning are just as important as physical exercise.

A walk might involve stopping regularly to sniff, experiencing different surfaces and sounds, practising recall or simply watching the world go by.

Puppies also need plenty of sleep. If your puppy has suddenly gone from zooming around the house to fast asleep on the floor, that's completely normal!

As your puppy grows, gradually build up their exercise routine and speak to your vet if you're unsure what is appropriate for their breed or stage of development.

Adult dogs: finding their happy medium

Adult dogs tend to have more predictable exercise needs, but there's still a huge amount of variation.

An energetic working or sporting breed may need considerably more physical and mental stimulation than a lower-energy companion breed.

Your dog's personality matters too.

Some dogs are happiest on a long countryside adventure, while others would rather take their time sniffing every blade of grass on a shorter walk.

A good routine might include a mixture of:

Daily walks

Give your dog the opportunity to get out, move around and explore their environment.

Sniffing

Don't underestimate the importance of letting your dog stop and sniff. It's a natural form of mental stimulation and allows them to gather information about their surroundings.

Training

Short training sessions can be surprisingly tiring for dogs. Practising recall, loose-lead walking, tricks or basic commands gives their brain something to work on.

Play

Games of fetch, tug or other suitable activities can provide additional physical and mental stimulation.

Free exploration

In an appropriate and safe environment, allowing your dog some freedom to explore can make walks much more rewarding.

Senior dogs still need exercise too

Getting older doesn't mean your dog needs to stop enjoying their walks.

However, their exercise requirements may change as they age.

Senior dogs may benefit from shorter, gentler walks with more opportunities to rest. Long hikes that they once loved might become too tiring, while a slower stroll around a familiar route may be just right.

Pay attention to changes in your dog's behaviour and movement.

If they seem reluctant to walk, tire much more quickly than usual, struggle with stairs or show signs of discomfort, speak to your vet. Changes in mobility shouldn't simply be dismissed as "getting old".

For older dogs, regular gentle movement can be valuable, but their routine should be adapted to their individual needs.

What about high-energy dogs?

If you have a dog who seems to have an unlimited supply of energy, you might assume the answer is simply to walk them for longer.

But more exercise isn't always the solution.

Some dogs become extremely fit when their exercise is continually increased, meaning you can end up needing to walk further and further just to tire them out!

Instead, think about adding mental stimulation to their routine.

Try:

• Scent games
• Training sessions
• Puzzle toys
• Hide-and-seek
• Searching for treats
• Learning new tricks
• Exploring different walking routes
• Practising recall
• Appropriate play

A dog who has spent 20 minutes using their brain and nose may come home just as satisfied as one who's spent much longer simply walking in a straight line.

Don't forget the sniffing!

We often think of exercise as covering a certain distance or getting our dog's heart rate up.

But for dogs, walks are also an opportunity to gather information.

Their noses are incredibly important to them, and stopping to sniff allows them to investigate what's been happening in their environment.

So next time your dog stops to sniff the same patch of grass for what feels like the hundredth time, try not to rush them!

Of course, there are times when you need to keep moving, particularly near roads or in busy areas. But where it's safe to do so, allowing your dog some time to sniff can make their walk more interesting and enriching.

How do you know if your dog is getting enough exercise?

Rather than obsessing over a specific number of minutes, look at your dog as an individual.

Signs that your dog's routine may be working well can include:

• They're generally settled at home.
• They enjoy going out for walks.
• They have opportunities to sniff and explore.
• They aren't constantly looking for something to do.
• They recover normally after exercise.
• Their weight and fitness are appropriate for them.
• They're engaged but not constantly exhausted.

On the other hand, if your dog is regularly destructive, restless or demanding attention, they may need more appropriate physical or mental stimulation.

However, sudden changes in behaviour can have lots of causes, including stress, boredom or an underlying health issue. If you're concerned about a change in your dog's behaviour, it's always worth speaking to your vet.

Exercise isn't just about walks

It's easy to think that a "good dog owner" needs to provide hours of walks every single day.

But life doesn't always work that way.

Bad weather, busy workdays, illness and other commitments happen. And there are plenty of ways to provide enrichment without going on a huge adventure every day.

On days when a long walk isn't practical, try bringing some of your dog's favourite activities indoors.

You could hide treats around the house, practise training, introduce a new enrichment activity or play a game together.

Mental stimulation counts too.

Don't forget rest days

More isn't always better when it comes to exercise.

Dogs need time to rest and recover, particularly after a long or particularly active day.

If you've taken your dog on a big countryside adventure at the weekend, they may appreciate a quieter day afterwards.

Watch your dog's behaviour and energy levels rather than feeling like you have to hit the same exercise target every day.

A balanced routine includes activity, enrichment and plenty of rest.

Exercise and the weather

Your dog's exercise routine may also need to change with the seasons.

During hot weather, walks are often best planned for cooler parts of the day, with plenty of access to water and shade.

In winter, shorter daylight hours and cold or wet conditions can affect your routine too.

Autumn can be a fantastic time for longer walks, but muddy paths, fallen leaves and seasonal hazards mean it's still important to choose your routes carefully.

Whatever the season, think about your dog's comfort and safety rather than sticking rigidly to a particular distance.

What about dogs who can't walk for long?

Some dogs may have mobility issues, health conditions or injuries that limit how much physical exercise they can safely do.

That doesn't mean they can't have an enriching day.

Scent work, gentle training, puzzle toys and appropriate enrichment can all provide opportunities to use their brain without putting unnecessary physical strain on their body.

If your dog has a medical condition or you're unsure how much exercise is suitable, speak to your vet or an appropriately qualified professional for advice tailored to your dog.

The bottom line

So, how much exercise does your dog really need?

It depends.

Rather than chasing a magic number, think about your dog's individual needs and aim for a balanced routine that combines physical activity, mental stimulation, exploration and rest.

The perfect walk isn't necessarily the longest one.

Sometimes it's the walk where your dog gets to stop and sniff, explore somewhere new, practise their recall and come home happy and relaxed.

And sometimes, it's simply a muddy little wander around the block followed by a well-earned nap.

Ready for walkies?

At Woofers Go Walking, we know that every dog is different. That's why their walks should be about more than simply counting minutes or miles.

Whether your dog loves a countryside adventure, enjoys a slower-paced stroll or benefits from a little extra enrichment, the right walking routine can help keep them happy, active and engaged.

So grab the lead, head outside and let your dog enjoy being a dog — one sniff at a time. 🐾