How to Work Out How Much Exercise Your Dog Needs

All dogs need daily exercise to stay fit and happy, providing a vital outlet for their energy and opportunities for play and socialisation. Walks should be varied and engaging, incorporating both on-lead time and off-lead play, alongside occasional training or skill refreshers.

However, exercise needs vary by breed, age, lifestyle, temperament, and behaviour. Some dogs tolerate or even prefer skipping a walk on poor weather days, while others may become restless and difficult if their exercise routine is shortened.

Most owners find the right exercise balance over time, but this guide helps you work out how much exercise your dog truly needs to thrive.

Understanding Your Dog's Breed and Type

Your dog's breed often gives clear clues about their exercise needs. High-energy breeds like the Border Collie thrive on several hours of activity daily, including high-intensity exercise and mental stimulation.

Conversely, breeds such as the English Bulldog typically require shorter, gentler outings, usually a couple of half-hour walks per day. Many breeds fall between these extremes, and mixed breeds, if you can identify parental breeds, will have blended exercise needs.

Adjusting Exercise for Age

Puppies are playful and energetic but tire quickly, requiring short, controlled exercise sessions. A useful rule is around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice daily, increasing gradually as the puppy matures.

Adults under seven typically have higher activity demands, while senior dogs often need reduced, gentler exercise suited to their comfort and mobility.

Considering Fitness and Lifestyle

Regardless of breed, a dog's current fitness level and lifestyle influence their energy and endurance. Dogs accustomed to less activity may struggle initially but will benefit from gradually increasing exercises to build fitness and overall health.

Positive exercise habits improve both dog and owner wellbeing — starting with short walks and slowly increasing duration and intensity is a good approach.

Balancing Food Intake with Exercise

Food intake and exercise are closely linked. More food requires more exercise to prevent weight gain, while a reduction in activity calls for cutting back food portions accordingly.

Extra treats and table scraps can quickly add calories. Careful management helps maintain a healthy weight. Feeding soon after exercise aids recovery and muscle repair.

Signs Your Dog Is Getting the Right Exercise

A well-exercised dog appears lean and fit, keeping pace comfortably on walks and engaging actively in play with other dogs. Their behaviour at home is calm without signs of excess energy.

If your dog returns from a walk tired but refreshed — not exhausted — and does not display destructive or hyperactive behaviour indoors, this usually indicates adequate exercise.

Recognising When Your Dog Needs More Exercise

Overweight dogs often benefit from more physical activity or adjusted feeding. Behaviour is a significant indicator: restless, destructive, or overly excitable dogs may need increased exercise.

Dogs that frequently ignore recall or escape to explore the neighbourhood could be expressing unmet exercise needs. Providing daily, consistent exercise is crucial — one long weekly walk cannot compensate for daily lack of activity.

Before acquiring a dog, assess how much exercise a breed requires and consider whether it fits your lifestyle and energy levels to ensure both your happiness and the dog’s wellbeing.