How much Exercise does your dog need?

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

As a rule of thumb, most dogs should exercise at least 30 minutes per day, with one to two hours a day of daily activity, The exact needs of your dog can vary based on factors such as age, breed, size, and overall health. Her is a look at some more specific guidelines.

Herding & Sporting Dogs:

• These breeds have very high exercise needs approximately 60-90 minutes of high intensity two times per day.

Terriers:

• Minimum of 60 minutes per day.

Hounds:

• Slighthounds such as greyhounds do best with springs that release energy in quick bursts (lower exercise needs).
• Scent hounds higher exercise needs similar to herding and sporting dogs.

Short-Nosed Breeds:

• Short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs do no need as much exercise as other breeds. These breeds are at a higher risk of overheating, and having breathing difficulties due to their pushed-in, muzzled faces. They can get sufficient exercise with a walk around the neighborhood or playing in the backyard.

Deep-Chested, Narrow-Bodied Dogs:

Dogs such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Great Danes should not exercise right after meals as they are prone to bloating. These breeds are also at risk for hip and ligament issues, so this should be considered when they are exercising.

Puppies:
For developing puppies, keep in mind that their bodies are rapidly growing, so no exercises should be done that will be taxing to their bodies. Puppies do good with short, leisurely walks, and playing with other puppies or calm adult dogs. Problems can result from lack of exercise and play:

• Destructive chewing, digging, scratching
• Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
• Hyperactivity, excitability, night time activity
• Unruliness, knocking over furniture, jumping on people
• Excessive predatory & Social play
• Play biting & Rough Play
• Attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining

Benefits of Exercise & Play:

• Helps to reduce or eliminate common behaviors such as digging, excessive barking, chewing, hyperactivity
• Helps to reduce digestive problems and constipation
• helps to keep dogs healthy, agile, and limber
• Helps timid or fearful dogs to build confidence and trust
• Helps dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless at bedtime

Exercise Types:

• Fetch; Swimming (Especially good for senior dogs and handicap dogs); Mental Exercises; Walking; Running; Biking; Tug of War; Jogging; Agility Exercises; Hiking

Sounds like its time for a walk!