Exercise is just as important for dogs as it is us humans. The good news is that walking your dog equals exercise for both you and your dog! A general rule of thumb is that dogs should receive 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, but this number can vary due to age, breed, and medical conditions.
Side note: this article was written by a coffee-chugging human, not a robot. Nothing against robots, just thought you should know!
Dog exercise calculators
There are several web sites that offer dog exercise calculators. Here are some to check out, simply click on the text/hyperlink to view:
- Rover’s pet exercise calculator
- Dog exercise calculator by breed
- World Animal Foundation exercise calculator
- App to help calculate exercise for dogs
While calculators are helpful, they provide general guidelines as opposed to precise recommendations.
Ask your veterinarian
It never hurts to ask your veterinarian about exercise guidelines for your dog. Most vets are generalists, so it is hard to say if they will possess breed-specific knowledge regarding exercise, but they should be able to help, nonetheless.
Ask local breeders
Many dog breeders are subject matter experts on the dogs that they specialize in, and are a great resource for information. Be sure to read the American Kennel Club’s article on how to find a dog breeder. Additionally, a breeder might be able to answer other questions you might have about your dog, and if they can’t, they will direct you to the correct resource.
Check with local trainers
Dog trainers are another excellent resource, as they possess a wealth of knowledge about many breeds. Also, most dog trainers have experience with dogs that act out due to not receiving enough exercise, so they can offer a unique perspective.
What if my dog doesn’t receive enough exercise?
If your dog doesn’t receive enough exercise, any or all of the following are potential problems:
- Excessive barking
- Restlessness
- Destructive behavior
- Obesity
- Sad moods/lethargy
- Poor aging
- Sore joints/muscles
- Attention seeking
- Pulling on leash
This list isn’t comprehensive, but these are common issues that arise from a lack of exercise for dogs.
Conclusion
Remember, exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you!