Dog walking guide: how much exercise is enough?

An important part of being a good ‘pawrent’ is giving your pup regular exercise through dog walking to support their physical and mental wellbeing. While individual dogs’ needs and abilities will vary, their breed can give you an indication of the commitment you’ll need to make, and whether they are in fact the right fit for you. Always bear in mind the specific needs of your dog’s breed, particularly any limitations. Read on for a top-level guide to your breed’s requirements, plus what to watch out for along the way. And if in doubt, talk to your vet.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Q: How much exercise do dogs need?

A: It varies, depending on the breed of dog. Surprisingly, size has little relation to exercise needs – but a border collie’s daily workout is very different from that of a pug!

Q: How much exercise do big dogs need?

A: Around 30-60 minutes of steady walking is a guideline.

Q: How hot is too hot to walk a dog?

A: Avoid dog walking in the hottest part of the day and take them out in early morning or late evening. Some breeds are more affected by heat than others, says Dr Amanda McLune of VETMACS. “Brachycephalic or ‘squish-faced’ breeds like pugs, bulldogs and boxers are more prone to overheating,” she says.

Q: How much exercise do working dogs need?

A: They usually need 90-120 minutes of vigorous activity per day.

Q: How long should I walk my puppy?

A: Five minutes of walking per month of age, up to twice daily.

How much exercise do giant dog breeds need?

Quick answer: Expect to provide a daily 30-60 minutes of low-impact exercise, like steady walking or even swimming.

A big dog doesn’t necessarily need heaps of exercise. Greyhounds, for example, are couch potatoes at heart and short walks are more than enough – making them surprisingly well suited to apartment living. For many large breeds, like Great Danes and mastiffs, the primary concern is joint issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and good muscle tone is important, but you’ll also need to avoid excessive exercise, especially while they’re still growing.

How much exercise do companion dogs need?

Quick answer: A wide range of dogs fit into this category so needs will vary, but 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise – like walking or playtime – is about right for companion breeds.

While your bichon frisé or dachshund doesn’t need to be run ragged herding sheep, they will still benefit from varied exercise and enrichment, explains veterinarian and physiotherapist at Sydney’s Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH), Dr Naomi Boyd. “Outings are not only for physical exertion but for dogs to interact with the world, to sniff and investigate and see places different to their own homes,” she says. “This can happen during training, conditioning exercises or socialisation, but could also mean learning new skills like tracking or sniffing games.”

How much exercise do working dogs need?

Quick answer: Breeds like these usually need 90-120 minutes of activity per day, and a leisurely on-lead walk won’t cut it.

Sporting breeds like Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (‘Tollers’) and springer spaniels, and working dogs like border collies and German shepherds, are bred for a job and don’t take well to unemployment. If you don’t meet their exercise needs, they may find a more destructive form of entertainment. Try these ideas help them burn energy and keep them safe:

• Vigorous and varied exercise, like running, swimming, agility training, flyball, obedience or herding.
• Give them mental stimulation as well as physical. This can include training and obedience work, puzzle toys, or games that tap into their breed-specific instincts, like hide-and-seek for scent hounds or fetch for gundogs.
• Avoid ‘forced’ exercise like running with a lead attached to your bike or vehicle, which Dr Boyd says is unsafe for dogs, and it’s illegal in some states. She also warns against chasing sticks. “SASH has seen countless severe traumatic injuries in dogs being accidentally impaled by sticks,” she says.

How much exercise do puppies need?

Quick answer: Puppies only need about five minutes of walking per month of age, up to twice daily.

Too much exercise could result in overexertion or joint damage, especially in larger breeds. At home, watching your puppy play is both a fun pastime and a good opportunity to spot early signs of joint problems. “Puppies with hip or elbow dysplasia are often described as ‘lazy’ by their owners, they might ‘give up easily’ or seem clumsy and move in abnormal ways like ‘bunny hopping’ and skipping,” says Dr Boyd.

How much exercise do older dogs need?

For older dogs, staying consistent is key. “Sudden periods of rest can lead to a precipitous loss of fitness and strength, and they don’t have the capacity to suddenly increase how much they are doing in the same way a young dog can,” she says.

Broaden their repertoire; swimming and water walking are low-impact strengthening exercises, with short one-minute swimming sessions helpful for dogs with arthritis, while scent work is great for mental stimulation.

Keep in mind…

Check with your local authority which animals are permitted to be kept as pets in your area.

Want more ideas to keep your dog fit and happy?

Check out our article on how to keep your dog active.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.