Taking your dog for a walk isn’t just about letting them do their business, it’s a key part of keeping them happy and healthy! But how much walking do they actually need? The answer depends on factors like breed, age, and overall health. Let’s break it down so you can make sure your pup gets the right amount of exercise.

Breed & Size Considerations

Different breeds have different exercise requirements. While some dogs are happy with a short stroll, others need long and vigorous walks to stay happy and healthy. If you've got a Puppy, we have some pup specific research below!

Toy & Small Breeds -
(Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Dachshund, etc.) - 20-30 minutes per day is often enough, split into two short walks. Their tiny legs don’t need as much distance!

Medium Breeds -
(Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Beagle, etc.) – 45-60 minutes per day, preferably with some off lead play if possible.

Large Breeds -
(Labrador, German Shepherd, Retriever, etc.) – 60-90 minutes per day, with varied activity like hiking or running.

Giant Breeds -
(Great Dane, Mastiff, St. Bernard, etc.) – 30-45 minutes per day; they may need a more moderate pace due to their size and joint concerns.

High energy breeds -
(Husky, Australian Shepherd, Dalmatian, etc.) – 90+ minutes per day. These dogs thrive on intense exercise like running, agility training, or hiking.

Signs Your Dog Needs More (or Less) Exercise

Not all dogs fit perfectly into these categories, so paying attention to their behaviour is key. Here are some signs your dog may need more or less walking:

Signs Your Dog Needs More Walks:
- Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, digging, excessive barking)
- Hyperactivity indoors
- Weight gain
- Excessive restlessness or whining

Signs Your Dog May Be Over-Exercised:
- Lagging behind or frequently stopping during walks
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Sore or stiff muscles
- Reluctance to go for walks (Stella's Tail - see image below for reluctance to walk!)

Alternatives to Long Walks

Not everyone has the time or ability to take their dog for long walks every day, and that's okay! Here are some other ways to keep your pup entertained and engaged.

Mental Stimulation – Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing games, and obedience training exercises can tire your dog out just as much as a walk.

Indoor Play – A game of fetch down a hallway or tug-of-war can help release energy.

Short Training Sessions – Teaching new tricks or reinforcing commands keeps your dog’s brain busy.

Scent Work & Nose Games – Hide treats around the house and let your pup sniff them out. (Stella's Tail - Her favourite game is "Find It!" where we hide treats around a room and she has to sniff them out!)

Doggy Playdates – Socialization with other dogs can help burn energy without requiring a long walk.

Stella's Tail - Although she LOVES water walks, most of our walks arond around the streets of Edinburgh where she spends most of the time exploring with her nose. Sniffing around can be physically tiring for dogs and a recent study shows that a 10 minute sniffing activity can be as exhausting as a one hour walk. ​

How Long Should You Walk a Puppy?

Puppies are little balls of energy, but their growing bodies need the right balance of exercise and rest. Overdoing it can cause joint issues later in life, while too little movement can lead to boredom and bad behavior.

How Much Exercise Does a Puppy Need?

Follow the 5-Minute Rule - Puppies should get 5 minutes of walking per month of age, up to twice a day. Example: A 3-month-old puppy = 15 minutes per walkA 6-month-old puppy = 30 minutes per walk

Keep Walks Short & Sweet - Puppies burn energy fast but also tire quickly. Several short walks are better than one long trek.

Consider Breed Differences - Small Breeds (Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pugs, etc.) – Shorter walks, around 10-20 minutes at a time. Medium Breeds (Beagles, Spaniels, etc.) – About 20-30 minutes per walk. Large & Giant Breeds (Labs, Great Danes, etc.) – Keep walks moderate to avoid stressing their joints. ​

Final thoughts

Every dog is unique, so it’s important to tailor their exercise routine to their needs. By paying attention to their energy levels and adjusting accordingly, you can ensure they get the right amount of activity while keeping them happy and healthy. Whether it’s a long walk, a short mental game, or a mix of both, your dog will appreciate the effort you put into their well being!