How much exercise does your dog need?

There is no single right answer. A Border Collie bred to run across hillsides all day and a Pug bred to keep laps warm have very different needs. What they share is that most pet dogs get less exercise than they would like, and that a well-exercised dog is usually a calmer, happier one.

A rough guide by type

These are starting points. Individual dogs vary a lot, and working lines are usually more energetic than show lines of the same breed.

Puppies

A widely quoted rule of thumb suggests five minutes of structured walking per month of age, up to twice a day — fifteen minutes at three months. It isn’t based on strong research, but it is a sensible reminder that puppies need short outings, lots of sleep and free play rather than long hikes. Free play in the garden, where a puppy can stop when tired, is different from a forced march.

Older dogs and dogs with health problems

Older dogs usually do better with several short walks than one long one. Dogs with heart or breathing problems, arthritis or obesity need an exercise plan from your vet — gentle, regular movement is often part of the treatment.

Mental exercise counts

Twenty minutes of sniffing along a hedge can tire a dog more than a longer walk at heel. Scent games, food puzzles, short training sessions and chew toys all use the brain, which is especially useful on rainy days or for dogs on restricted exercise.

Signs your dog needs more

• Restlessness, pacing or barking in the evening.
• Destructive chewing or digging.
• Weight gain.
• Pulling hard on walks or frantic greetings.

Signs of too much

• Stiffness or limping the next day.
• Lagging behind, lying down on walks.
• Sore or worn pads.
• Excessive panting — especially in warm weather, which can lead to heatstroke.

The best measure is your own dog: bright, relaxed and sleepy after exercise, eager for the next outing. Build up gradually, vary the routine, and your dog will tell you what suits them.

Questions owners ask

Is one walk a day enough?

For many small or older dogs, one walk plus play at home can be enough. Most medium and large dogs, and all working breeds, need more — ideally split into two or more outings.

Can you over-exercise a puppy?

Long, repetitive exercise such as running beside a bike isn’t suitable for growing puppies. Short walks and free play, where they can rest when they want, are better.

Does playing in the garden count as exercise?

Yes, especially games like fetch and tug, but dogs also benefit from the sights and smells of walks outside the home.