Walks are the highlight of most dogs’ days — but how long is long enough? The answer depends on breed, age, and health. Here is a practical guide to keeping your dog active without overdoing it.
How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need?
- High-energy breeds (Border Collies, Huskies, Retrievers): 1–2 hours every day, ideally split into two sessions.
- Moderate breeds (Beagles, Terriers): 45–60 minutes daily.
- Small / low-energy breeds (Pugs, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas): 20–30 minutes is usually enough.
- Puppies: follow the “5 minutes per month of age” rule, twice a day — their joints are still developing.
- Senior dogs: shorter, gentler, more frequent walks beat one long trek.
Signs Your Dog Needs More (or Less)
Chewed shoes, pacing, and attention-seeking usually mean under-exercised. Lagging behind, sore joints the next morning, or reluctance to walk means you should scale back and check with your vet.
Walk Smart, Not Just Long
- Let your dog sniff — “sniffari” walks provide real mental enrichment.
- Vary routes to keep things interesting.
- Avoid walking in midday heat; test the pavement with your hand first.
- Use a comfortable harness, never a collar that pulls on the throat.
Beyond the Walk
Fetch, puzzle feeders, obedience games, and playdates all add enrichment. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog — but the goal is a fulfilled dog, not an exhausted one.