"Just walk your dog daily." Sounds simple. But how much, how fast, how many sessions?

Daily exercise by size

For adult dogs (1–7 years):

  • Toy/Small (under 20 lbs): 30 min daily.
  • Medium (20–50 lbs): 60 min daily.
  • Large (50–90 lbs): 90 min daily.
  • Giant (90+ lbs): 60–90 min (less for joint health).

Total time across multiple sessions, not one long walk.

By breed energy

Very high energy (90–120+ min): Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Vizsla, Husky, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, Jack Russell.

High energy (60–90 min): Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Dalmatian, Standard Poodle.

Moderate (45–60 min): Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Pomeranian.

Low (15–45 min): Bulldog, Pug, Mastiff, Basset Hound, Saint Bernard.

Brachycephalic dogs (flat-faced)

Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs need: shorter sessions (15–30 min max), cooler weather only, frequent breaks.

Puppy exercise: less is more

Puppies should NOT exercise like adults. Growing joints can be damaged.

The "5-minute rule": 5 min of structured exercise per month of age, twice daily.

  • 3-month-old: 15 min × 2.
  • 6-month-old: 30 min × 2.
  • 1-year-old: full adult amount.

Senior dog exercise

  • Shorter, more frequent walks.
  • Slower pace.
  • Avoid jumping.
  • Watch for fatigue.
  • Swimming excellent (low joint impact).

Types of exercise

  • Walking: base level.
  • Running: for fit dogs.
  • Fetch: intense.
  • Hiking: mental + physical.
  • Swimming: low-impact.
  • Agility/Flyball: for performance dogs.
  • Dog parks: social + exercise.

Mental exercise

Mental stimulation is as exhausting as physical. 15 min mental work = 30 min walking for tiring out a dog.

  • Puzzle feeders.
  • Snuffle mats.
  • Training sessions.
  • New environments.
  • Scent games.

Signs your dog needs more exercise

  • Destructive chewing.
  • Excessive barking.
  • Restlessness.
  • Hyperactivity at home.
  • Difficulty settling.
  • Weight gain.

Signs of overexercise

  • Excessive panting.
  • Limping or stiffness.
  • Reluctance to walk further.
  • Excessive drooling.
  • Vomiting.
  • Weakness.

Weather considerations

Hot (above 85°F): walk early/evening. Avoid hot pavement. Bring water.

Cold (below 32°F): shorter sessions. Brachycephalic and small dogs may need coats.

Calculate needs

Our dog walking distance calculator takes size, age, fitness to recommend daily walking time.