How much exercise should your puppy get?

Exercising adult dogs

Most dogs are considered mature once they reach a year old, though larger breeds may continue to grow until they are 2 years old.

Adult dogs have higher activity levels than puppies and seniors, so you’ll need to make sure you provide them with ways to keep fit.

Remember though, your dog’s breed, size, and overall health will come into play for figuring out their exact exercise requirements.

Exercising large and giant dogs

Walking, training, playtime, and scent games are all great types of exercise for larger dogs. The latter is especially beneficial for breeds like Basset Hounds, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Bloodhounds.

If you own a breed that has a lot of stamina like the Siberian Husky and Weimaraner, a long hike or trek is an excellent activity for keeping your dog in great shape.

On the other hand, some big breeds like Greyhounds don’t need as much exercise as other large breeds. These dogs do best when given a 20-minute run every day to sprint, followed by a shorter and less laborious walk later in the day.

Exercising medium-sized dogs

Many medium-sized dogs have a fair amount of stamina, so swimming, walking, playing, agility, and training are ideal exercise choices.

If you live near a stream or lake, swimming is advantageous for your dog as it doesn’t put much strain on their joints. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Water Spaniels are some breeds that are huge water lovers and enjoy swimming.

Bear in mind that some working breeds like the Border Collie will need to burn off a lot of energy each day. Taking these types of dogs with you during a jog or run is a good way for both of you to let off some steam. Just make sure you avoid any rocky or flat surfaces and build up your dog’s fitness level up gradually.

Exercising small and toy breeds

A lot of small and toy breeds don’t require a great deal of exercise each day, typically between 30 to 60 minutes. That said, some little dogs like Jack Russell Terriers and Chihuahuas are quite energetic, so you’ll need to make sure they get plenty of time to sniff, explore, and play.

Walking, training, playing, and interactive puzzle games are good exercise options for small and toy breeds.

Exercising seniors

As dogs enter their senior years, they tend to slow down a little, and their activity levels will often decrease. In addition to being more immobile, elderly dogs may develop age- or breed-related health issues that can affect their energy levels.

These include arthritis (or other joint and mobility problems), deafness, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (dog dementia), heart issues, and loss of sight.

However, seniors still benefit from regular exercise daily (ideally split up into shorter, more frequent walks) to keep them in good shape and at optimal health.

To keep your older dog more comfortable during their walks, you may need to make some slight adjustments to their exercise routine, such as:

• Try to stick to familiar surroundings and routes, especially if your dog has vision or hearing problems. This will help your dog feel more at ease and less confused as they will be within an area they recognise.

• Be mindful of your surroundings. Sudden noises and movements could startle your dog and may cause them to panic. If you spot a cyclist or other dog that your senior hasn’t noticed yet, try to reassure and comfort them to make the ordeal a bit less scary.

• Take note of the weather. A lot of elderly dogs, especially those with mobility issues, don’t fare well in hot or cool temperatures. If the weather is too hot, it may be best to walk your dog when it’s cooled down a bit. Alternatively, if conditions are chilly, you may want to invest in a dog coat to help keep your companion warm.

• Exercise your dog inside if outdoor conditions are not ideal. Providing your senior dog with ways to exercise indoors can be a fantastic way of ensuring they stay active until the weather has improved. Interactive puzzle toys, tug-of-war, and even fetch (provided you don’t accidentally break any of your belongings!) are some great indoor exercise options.
• Keep walks gentle but frequent. Don’t push your senior dog too far, and let them go at their own pace. If you can, avoid rocky and uphill terrain. It’s best to stick to short walks that are broken up over the day to put less strain on your dog’s joints and hips.