Have you ever found yourself wondering, “How much exercise does my dog need?” First of all, kudos to being a good dog owner! Looking for enrichment ideas for them will ensure that they remain your companion for a long time.

Now, as to the answer to your question ― a dog needs anywhere between 30 minutes to more than 2 hours of exercise. This includes a walk, a romp on the beach, and playtime in a dog park unleashed. Depending on how social and friendly your dog is, you can either pick these exercises or look into online dog training for an aerobic workout.

Exercise Time Based on a Dog’s Breed

Apart from your dog’s breed, his personality, age, and health also affect their exercise time. Here’s a rough guide on how much exercise different breeds require.

*Keep in mind that some dogs like to walk in the park and just sniff their enjoinment, while some have a more playful nature and get along well with other dogs. It’s best to talk to a force-free dog trainer to find out in which category your dog falls.

Exercise Time	Dog Breed
30 Minutes + Extra Play Time	Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Maltese, King Charles Spaniel, and Pomeranian
1 Hour +	Saint Bernard, West Highland Terrier, Pug, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy Poodle and Shih Tzu
2 Hours +	Siberian Husky, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Dalmatian, English Springer Spaniel, and German Shepherd

 

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs vs. Senior Dogs

The smaller the package, the bigger it explodes… what we are trying to say is that compared to adult and senior dogs, puppies require more exercise. This is their development phase, which is why not only do they need proper exercise but also mental stimulation so that they are more receptive to your training and cues.

Dogs usually get this short burst of energy that tells you they feel as if they are crated. You know this as zoomies. In technical terms, zoomies are known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). Dogs often do this to release their repressed energy. While zoomies are not exactly a sign of lack of exercise, they do tell you that your dog is looking for alternative outlets for that pent-up energy and require proper stimulation.

Adult dogs need a proper exercise routine so that they can stay in good shape. They can last for hours and perk up at the word “walk” even when exhausted. If you have an active breed, make sure that you carve out some time in your schedule to pay attention to your dog.

Lastly, senior dogs lead a more sedentary life. This doesn’t mean that they don’t require exercise. You just need to find the proper activity to exercise their limbs, whether it’s indoor or outdoor. If you adopted your dog as a puppy and he is thriving beside you as a senior, you probably know how much exercise he needs before he tires out. When adopting a senior dog, get help from a force-free dog trainer to find out how much exercise your dog needs.

So, now that you know how long you need to exercise your dog, do you have any ideas in mind? Visit the website Dances with Dogs and check out their blog for exercise tips. They offer in-person and online dog training in Miami. To know more about their services or to schedule an appointment, call on 786-299-1552.