Exercise is essential for a dog’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness. But how much exercise does a dog need? While daily walks are a great foundation, many dogs benefit from more activity depending on their breed, age, and personality. 

Helping Fido’s 2024 survey sheds light on how much exercise dogs are actually getting, from walks to extra playtime, and offers a glimpse into what’s working best for dogs and their owners. 

Here, we’ll combine survey insights with expert advice to help you create an effective exercise plan that fits your dog’s unique needs.

The foundation of dog exercise: Daily walks

For most dogs, daily walks provide essential physical activity, mental stimulation, and opportunities for socialization. According to Helping Fido’s survey, nearly all respondents incorporate daily walks as part of their dog’s routine. 

Walks give dogs the chance to explore new scents, engage with their environment, and spend quality time with their owners, all of which contribute to their mental well-being.

Experts agree that daily walks are beneficial for dogs of all breeds and ages, as they provide a structured outlet for both exercise and mental engagement. However, daily walks alone may not fully meet the needs of high-energy dogs or dogs with specific behavioral challenges. This is why additional forms of exercise can be a valuable complement to regular walks.

Beyond daily walks

In addition to daily walks, many dog owners are incorporating extra activities to keep their dogs healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Here’s a look at how frequently dog owners engage in activities beyond walks and the types of exercises they’re using:

  • Daily extra activities: According to the survey, about 45% of respondents engage their dogs in additional activities daily, on top of their regular walks. These daily extras provide extra energy release for dogs that need it.
  • Several times a week: Another 35% of respondents provide additional exercise several times per week. These owners may incorporate high-energy activities every few days, which helps maintain a balanced routine for dogs with moderate energy needs.
  • Occasional extra exercise: The remaining 20% add extra activities only occasionally, usually due to busy schedules or other constraints.

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Types of additional exercise: Survey respondents use a variety of activities to complement their dog’s daily walks:

  • Fetch, running, and play sessions: About 40% of owners reported using high-energy activities like fetch and running to supplement their dog’s routine. These activities provide interactive and physical engagement, particularly popular for high-energy dogs.
  • Agility training and swimming: Around 15% of owners mentioned using agility courses or swimming as extra exercise. These options are excellent for athletic dogs who enjoy a mix of physical and mental challenges.
  • Interactive games and obedience drills: About 10% incorporate games like tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or puzzle toys, which combine mental and physical stimulation, ideal for keeping dogs engaged indoors or in smaller spaces.

How much exercise does a dog need?

Experts emphasize that dogs’ exercise needs vary based on age, breed, and individual energy levels. While daily walks are a core part of any exercise routine, experts recommend considering other activities to balance physical and mental stimulation, especially for high-energy or working breeds. 

Here’s a breakdown of expert exercise recommendations by age and breed type:

Age-based recommendations

  • Puppies: Puppies benefit from shorter, more frequent exercise sessions spread throughout the day. Experts suggest multiple play sessions instead of one long walk, which can be overwhelming for growing puppies. Structured play, short walks, and training sessions can help puppies burn energy while building essential skills.
  • Adult dogs: Adult dogs generally need consistent, structured exercise. Experts recommend daily walks combined with one or two higher-intensity activities like running or fetch for high-energy breeds. For moderate- to low-energy dogs, daily walks plus occasional play sessions may be sufficient.
  • Senior dogs: Senior dogs benefit from gentle, low-impact exercise, such as leisurely walks or light play. Exercise helps maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle loss, but activities should be adjusted to avoid overexertion.

Breed and energy-level recommendations

  • High-energy breeds: Active breeds, like border collies, retrievers, and terriers, generally need more intensive routines. Besides daily walks, make sure to incorporate high-energy activities, such as agility training, fetch, or swimming, to meet these breeds’ needs.
  • Moderate- to low-energy breeds: Breeds with lower energy levels, like bulldogs or basset hounds, may be happy with a daily walk and some gentle playtime. For these dogs, a brisk walk or light play is often enough to keep them satisfied and healthy.

Mental and physical balance

Mental stimulation is crucial in a dog’s exercise routine. Intelligent breeds, like poodles and German shepherds, benefit significantly from mentally engaging activities, which can be added to their physical routine. Including puzzle toys, obedience drills, or agility exercises can prevent boredom and reduce the risk of unwanted behaviors.

Tips for balancing exercise with daily walks

Combining daily walks with additional activities can be challenging, especially for busy owners. Here are some practical ways to ensure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

Optimize your daily walks

If your schedule limits how much extra exercise you can provide, consider making the most of your daily walks:

  1. Change your route: Dogs enjoy exploring new scents, so varying the route can add extra mental stimulation.
  2. Add basic training exercises: Incorporate training commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel” during the walk to reinforce obedience and engage your dog mentally.
  3. Include “sniff breaks”: Allow your dog to stop and sniff along the way. These short breaks let your dog explore the environment, which is mentally stimulating and satisfying.

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High-intensity activities for busy schedules

For owners with limited time, short, high-intensity activities can supplement a dog’s exercise effectively:

  1. Fetch: A quick game of fetch can be a great way to burn off energy, even in a short time.
  2. Tug-of-war: This is a convenient and engaging game that doesn’t require much space. Just be sure to use safe practices and establish play rules to keep the game controlled and fun.

Low-impact options for senior dogs or low-energy breeds

For dogs with lower exercise needs or seniors who require gentler activities, try:

  1. Indoor puzzle toys: Interactive toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving provide mental stimulation without physical strain, perfect for lower-energy dogs.
  2. Slow, scenic walks: For older dogs, take leisurely, scenic walks that allow them to enjoy new scents and surroundings without a rigorous pace.

Combine physical and mental exercise

For a well-rounded routine, consider activities that combine physical and mental engagement:

  1. Puzzle games and interactive toys: Use puzzle toys that hide treats or kibble to engage your dog’s mind while providing a fun, rewarding challenge.
  2. Obedience drills and agility courses: If your dog is high-energy, set up a simple agility course in the yard or practice obedience commands. These activities encourage focus, improve agility, and provide a physical workout.

Making exercise work for you and your dog

Helping your dog meet their exercise needs is essential for their well-being and for a balanced, happy home. 

Daily walks are an important part of their routine, but adding high-quality extra activities can make a significant difference, especially for dogs with higher energy levels. By adjusting your dog’s routine based on their age, breed, and personality, you can ensure they get the right balance of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.

Remember, it’s important to observe your dog’s response to their exercise routine. If they seem restless or develop unwanted behaviors, try increasing their activity level. For dogs that tire easily or have joint issues, focus on low-impact exercises.