NATURE FIRST · EVERYDAY LIFE
How much exercise does a dog really need?
From the Pug to the Border Collie, the need ranges from half an hour to three hours a day. We show you what to base it on.
There is no single magic figure. How much a dog needs depends on breed, age, health and temperament. Just as important as the distance is the type of stimulation: sniffing, searching and small tasks challenge the mind and often tire a dog out more than plain running. The figures below are reference points for healthy, adult dogs.
Reference values by type and age
| Dog | Guide per day | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Companion dogs (e.g. Pug, French Bulldog) | 30 to 60 minutes | With short-nosed breeds, watch breathing and heat. |
| Average family dog | 60 to 120 minutes | A mix of walks, sniffing and play. |
| Hunting dogs | 1.5 to 2 hours | They also need mental work, otherwise they find their own occupation. |
| Working and herding dogs (e.g. Border Collie, Australian Shepherd) | 2 to 3 hours | Challenge them physically and mentally, but also teach them to rest. |
| Seniors | from about 30 minutes | Several short, calm rounds rather than one long outing. |
Three stubborn myths
Five minutes per month of age, no more for a puppy
The old rule of thumb (five minutes per month of age, twice a day) is now considered too rigid. What matters more is avoiding sustained strain and hard impacts on young joints and watching the dog rather than rigidly watching the clock.
A big garden replaces the walk
In its own garden, the dog eventually does its bored laps. New smells, different places and shared experiences with you are something no garden can replace.
A dog only gets tired from lots of running
Hours of throwing a ball tend to wind a dog up rather than tire it out. Nose and search games challenge the brain and make many dogs noticeably more content and calm.
Ideas that challenge the mind
Mental stimulation for in between
- Hide food in the garden or the home and let the dog search for it
- A snuffle mat or a bowl filled with crumpled paper and hidden treats
- On the walk, consciously allow time for sniffing
- Sprinkle simple tricks and short training sessions into the day
- Actively plan rest periods, many dogs find this harder than we think
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell that my dog is under-stimulated?
Typical signs are restlessness, destructiveness, constant demanding and difficulty settling down. Often more mental work helps more than another round of running.
Can a dog also be over-taxed?
Yes. Constant action without breaks, especially in puppies and seniors, strains joints and nerves. Recovery is part of proper stimulation.
How much exercise does a puppy need?
Short, frequent sessions and plenty of sleep. Wild jumping, long outings and stairs are not yet right for growing joints.