At Dogfoodsy, we care about more than just your dog’s food — we care about their lives.
We know that a happy dog is a healthy dog – and that excellent nutrition, mental exercise, and physical activity are just what it takes to make your dog happy! Just like premium fuel for your dog’s body, regular exercise is beneficial for the heart, mind, and tail-wagging! Their food bowl is just as important as their exercise.
Why Dog Exercise Matters
The fact is, dogs need routine exercise, just like us. Whether it’s a morning stroll around the block or a world tour of fallen logs, your dog’s exercise needs and play preferences can be unique, so it’s essential to tailor our activity strategy to their specific physical and mental fitness.
This is why movement matters to your furry friend:
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Exercise helps curb obesity that can result in more serious health problems such as diabetes, arthritis and heart disease.
Burning Off Excess Energy
Dogs, particularly young ones or breeds with high energy, have a lot of energy to expend. Without an outlet, that energy frequently manifests as destructive behaviour — such as chewing, digging, or excessive barking.
Reducing Behavior Problems
A dog that has been trained is typically calmer, more focused, and less susceptible to anxiety or hyperactivity.
Better for Your Heart and Bones
Movement also helps keep muscles strong, promotes joint flexibility , and supports cardiovascular health — which is particularly important as your dog gets older.
Deepening Our Connection With You
Shared activities, such as playing, walking, or training, are not only healthy — they also strengthen your bond with your dog and build trust and companionship.
Remember: A tired dog is a happy dog — and a happy dog equals a happier, more peaceful home.
Also, remember that, as some dogs require more exercise than others, all dogs need a combination of both physical and mental exercise. It’s not that it hurts to tire them out — it’s that it’s about keeping them satisfied.
What Factors Influence How Much Exercise Your Dog Will Need
Each dog is different. The best workouts are, for them:
Breed
High-energy breeds, such as Border Collies, Huskies, and Labradors, will require more rigorous exercise. At the same time, Bulldogs or Shih Tzus will favour short, easy walks.
Age
- Puppies: Quickplay and walks (3–5 minutes/month old, 2 times a day).
- Adults: Breed & energy dependent, 30–90 minutes a day.
- Seniors: Gentle and moderate activities, such as slow walks or gentle swimming.
Health Conditions
Arthritis, heart disease, or breathing problems may limit the amount and type of exercise that is safe for you. Always consult your vet.
(Source: American Kennel Club)
Kinds of Dog Exercises
| Exercise Type | Best For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Walks | All dogs | 20–60 minutes walks |
| Fetch/Play | High-energy dogs | Ball, Frisbee, tug-of-war |
| Swimming | Older or arthritic | Pool or lake swims |
| Hiking | Active breeds | Forest trails, nature parks |
| Agility Training | Smart & energetic | Obstacle courses |
| Mental Games | All breeds | Puzzle toys, sniffing games |
Sample Puppy Exercise Routine for Different Breed Sizes
| Dog Size | Daily Exercise Needed |
|---|---|
| Small (Chihuahua) | 20–30 minutes + mental play |
| Medium (Beagle) | 45–60 minutes |
| Large (Labrador) | 1–2 hours |
| Giant (Great Dane) | 30–45 minutes |
Signs Your Dog Needs More (or Less) Exercise
Keeping your dog entertained is essential for their physical and mental well-being. However, it’s all about striking the right balance. Not enough exercise may be responsible for bad behaviour, whereas too much can result in injuries. Here’s how to spot the signs and adjust your dog’s routine to keep them as healthy and content as possible.
No Exercise: The Big Red Flags
Chewing / Digging / Scratching
If your dog is chewing up the furniture, digging up the yard, or scratching at the door, that’s a sign that your pet may have pent-up energy. Destruction is a common side effect of boredom and insufficient exercise, as dogs often find ways to entertain themselves.
Hyperactivity & Restlessness
A dog that’s unable to settle, paces the house, or jumps all over you may need more physical and/or mental exercise. Regular exercise can burn away pent-up energy.
Excessive Barking or Whining
Vocalisation may be an indicator of boredom due to a lack of activity. Daily walks should help along with some playtime, and some “enrichment” secondary activity will help negate nuisance barking.
Obesity, Joint Disorders & Low Stamina
“You can carry excess weight without good muscle tone at the same time.”
Obesity, joint disorders, and low stamina are all associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Calibrate both exercise and diet to stay slim and fit.
Attention-Seeking Behaviors
Suppose your dog is always nudging you, bringing you toys, demanding playtime, or acting out in an attempt to get your attention. In that case, they may be craving more interaction.
TOO MUCH EXERCISE: SIGNS OF OVEREXERTION
Limp, Rigid or Sore Walking
Overused muscles and joints may become sore or prone to movement. It’s essential to rest and gradually get back in shape.
Refusal to Walk or Play
If your dog refuses to do things they usually enjoy, they may be tired or in pain.
Heavy Panting & Dehydration
If your dog is panting heavily, drooling, or listless after play, it could be a sign of overheating or fatigue. Offer water at all times and avoid extremely hot or cold climates.
Cracked or Bleeding Paw Pads
If long distances and rough terrain are involved, a dog’s pads can be harmed. If necessary, protect with a balm or dog boot.
Prolonged Recovery Time
“If an animal is consistently sleeping for hours after a walk, it’s possible that their routine is too vigorous,” says Ries.
What If You Can’t Walk Your Dog Daily?
Life can be busy, and sometimes the weather doesn’t always cooperate. But that doesn’t mean it’s okay that your dog be deprived of essential physical and mental stimulation. Even if you can’t go for outdoor walks, there’s still lots you can do to keep your dog healthy and happy indoors.
Here are some enjoyable, low-hassle substitutes to walking:
Indoor Fetch
Take a very soft toy or ball and play fetch in a hallway or an open part of your house. And that’s especially good for high-energy dogs that need to burn off steam pronto. NB: Be sure to transfer breakables out of sight!
Tug-of-War
A sturdy rope toy and a couple of minutes of tug will give your dog a workout and a good mental stretching, too. It also helps build the connection between you and your pup.
Puzzle Feeders, Treat Balls
Make mealtime fun using puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls. These are good for your dog’s brain, they sharpen his problem-solving skills, and they curb fast eaters.
Hide-and-Seek with Treats
Hide some healthy treats or toys around the house, and teach your dog to find them by sniffing around. This game plays on your cat’s natural instincts, and lets them expend some energy even when stuck indoors.
Treadmill Walks
Some extremely high-energy dogs can be taught to use a treadmill and do so safely. Go slowly and observe all the time. This could be a brilliant way to top up some exercise when the weather is terrible and you have done a lot of outdoor walks.
Pro Tip: Rotate which activity you do each day so everyone (you and your dog) stays engaged and interested!
Even on the days you don’t have time for a play session in the great outdoors, just 15–20 minutes of indoor play can do wonders for your dog’s mood, behavior, and health.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Exercise Routine
- Start slow and build up endurance
- Avoid hot pavement or icy conditions
- Always bring water on walks/hikes
- Use a well-fitted harness to protect the neck
- Don’t push senior or recovering dogs
When to See a Vet
If your dog continues to exhibit signs of chronic pain, fatigue, or personality changes, contact your veterinarian for professional guidance to ensure underlying problems are not present.
Related Resources
Final Word
Every dog needs regular exercise to stay fit, healthy, and emotionally balanced. Whether you’re playing fetch, going on a hike, or solving puzzles indoors — what matters most is consistency and fun.
Ready to fuel your pup’s active lifestyle? Explore our list of Top Rated Dry Dog Foods and keep them energized from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your dog’s breed, age, size, and health. Most adult dogs need between 30 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity per day. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies may need even more.
For some dogs, especially older or low-energy breeds, one good walk may be enough. But most dogs benefit from multiple shorter walks or a walk combined with play, training, or mental games.
Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, destructive behavior, boredom, and even anxiety. Dogs may become hyperactive, bark excessively, or chew on furniture due to pent-up energy.
Yes. Especially in puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions, too much exercise can cause joint problems, fatigue, or injury. Watch for signs like limping, excessive panting, or reluctance to move.
Absolutely! Mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or scent games, reduces boredom, sharpens focus, and can be just as tiring as a long walk. It’s ideal for rainy days or senior dogs.
Yes! Games like tug-of-war, indoor fetch, and hide-and-seek with treats are great indoor options. Treadmills and puzzle toys are also useful for active dogs when you can’t go outside.
Yes. Puppies need short, frequent sessions to avoid overexertion while they grow. A common guideline is 5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day, along with safe playtime.
