How Often Should I Exercise and Walk My Dog?

How Often Should I Exercise and Walk My Dog?

Does your dog start wagging his tail excitedly as soon as he sees you holding his leash? Just like us, dogs need daily exercise and physical activity. Especially for puppies, regular exercise ensures that they feel their best and develop physically and mentally.  

As a pup parent, another benefit of exercising and walking your dog is that you also enjoy decreased stress and numerous health benefits. It’s a win-win situation where you and your pup can stay healthy while strengthening your bond further. 

Dogs who don’t get enough exercise and stay inside the house all day tend to become bored. When this happens, they look for ways to entertain themselves, often leading to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture and other things around the house. 

The frequency and duration of exercise and walking for your new dog depend on several factors, including age, breed, energy level, and overall health. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often to exercise and walk your dog:

Puppies

Puppies have a lot of energy but also tire very quickly. It’s best to have multiple short sessions of exercise throughout the day, lasting 5-10 minutes. As the puppy grows, you can gradually increase the duration of the exercise sessions. It is important that you don’t overwork your puppy since this may affect its developing muscles and joints, which can lead to arthritis or joint issues. Include playtime activities such as tug-of-war, training, and short walks.

Adult Dogs

Most adult dogs should have at least one to two walks per day, along with extra play like fetch or exercise sessions. Each walk should last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the dog’s breed and energy level. If your area has a local dog park, you can let your dog join in or you can also incorporate other games like frisbees and chase toys to keep your dog entertained while getting the benefits of exercise.

Senior Dogs

Just like humans, senior dogs still require regular exercise, but it should be modified based on their mobility and health. While they may not be as active as they used to be, incorporating exercise in their daily routine will still give them health benefits like lowering the risk of obesity. Instead of long walks, shorter, more frequent walks of around 15-30 minutes can keep them active without overexerting them.

High-Energy Breeds

Dogs with high energy levels, such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies, require frequent exercise. These breeds may need an hour and a half up to two hours of exercise daily, including walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities.

Low-Energy Breeds

Breeds with lower energy levels, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Basset Hounds, require less frequent exercise. Aim for 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise daily, including playtime activities at home.

Tips for Effective Dog Exercise

Positive Reinforcement – Always treat every exercise and daily walk positively and as an opportunity to train and strengthen your bond with your pup. Applying positive reinforcement by giving treats and praise will encourage your pup to be on their best behavior during your daily exercise.

Consistency—Establish a regular exercise routine as much as possible to help your dog adapt and anticipate daily activities. 

Variety—To spice things up, you can include different types of exercise, such as walking, running, playing fetch, and agility training, to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated.

Monitor—Always pay attention to your dog’s behavior and energy levels during walks and exercise sessions. Adjust the exercise routine if you notice signs of fatigue or overexertion, as this may cause health concerns for your dog. 

Consult a Vet —It is best to consult with your vet before your pup’s first walk. This would ensure that any possible health concerns can be ruled out. Furthermore, your vet can advise you on how much exercise is recommended for your pup or if there are any limitations you should avoid. 

By tailoring your exercise routine to your dog’s specific needs, you can ensure that your dog stays healthy, happy, and well-behaved. If you are looking forward to enrolling your new puppy in training and boarding at Happy Pup Manor, you can be confident that each pup gets the right amount of exercise and daily walks based on their age, breed, and specific health needs!