How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

There’s no single number — a senior pug and a young border collie live on different planets. But most adult dogs thrive on 30 to 90 minutes of activity a day, split between walks, free play, and mental work like sniffing and training.

Match the dog, not the rule

Puppies need short bursts with lots of rest. Athletic breeds need a job — running, fetch, or puzzle games — or they’ll invent one (usually involving your sofa). Seniors do best with several gentle strolls rather than one long march.

Walks are about more than miles

Twenty minutes of sniffing tires a dog out more than forty minutes of heeling. Let them read the neighborhood news on a long leash where it’s safe — mental exercise counts double.

Watch for the sweet spot

A well-exercised dog settles in the evening, sleeps soundly, and greets walks with joy but not mania. Destructive chewing, night-time zoomies, or leash explosions usually mean the tank is still full — add a midday outing.

Rest is part of fitness

Growing puppies need up to 20 hours of sleep, and even adult athletes need true rest days. Overtired dogs get cranky and clumsy — balance hard-play days with sniffy strolls.

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