How much exercise does a dog need?

Most adult dogs need at least one or two walks every day. The PDSA says some breeds need a minimum of one to two hours of exercise a day, while working breeds need significantly more; small, low-energy breeds may need much less. The right amount depends on breed, age, health and personality. Puppies need short, gentle sessions, and seniors do best with "little and often". On top of walks, most dogs also benefit from play and brain games.

What decides how much exercise your dog needs

The PDSA lists four main factors:

• Breed: some breeds need one to two hours a day, working breeds significantly more.
• Age: puppies need gentle, limited exercise while their joints grow; seniors often need less.
• Health: an injured or unwell dog may need rest; always follow your vet's advice.
• Personality: two dogs of the same breed can have very different energy levels.

A dog that doesn't get enough exercise doesn't just get bored. The PDSA notes that dogs with excess energy often become frustrated and stressed and find it hard to cope.

Exercise by breed: some examples

The PDSA gives minimum daily exercise for individual breeds. A few examples show how wide the range is:

Size is only a rough guide; energy levels vary by breed and by individual dog. Check your own breed in our breed guides, and use the dog walk calculator to turn a daily target into a walk plan that fits your day.

Yorkshire Terrier (small)around 30–40 min

Cocker Spaniel (medium)at least 1 hour

Golden Retriever (large)at least 2 hours

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Breed	Daily exercise (PDSA)
Yorkshire Terrier (small)	around 30–40 min
Cocker Spaniel (medium)	at least 1 hour
Golden Retriever (large)	at least 2 hours

Source: PDSA, as in the table above. Size is only a rough guide; energy levels vary by breed and by individual dog.

How to split it up

You don't need to do it all in one go. Most dogs do well with:

1. One or two main walks. The Royal Kennel Club says every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two.
2. Some free running in a safe, enclosed area if your dog has reliable recall or it's allowed where you are.
3. Short play sessions at home: tug, fetch or chase games.
4. Brain work. The PDSA calls brain games a great addition to any routine, and especially important for breeds that need more mental stimulation. Sniffing games, food puzzles and short training sessions tire a dog out in a different way.

A garden helps, but the PDSA notes it doesn't replace walks: new places and smells matter for a dog's wellbeing.

Puppies: less than you might think

Puppies need far less structured exercise than adult dogs. The Royal Kennel Club warns that long walks can overtire a young puppy and recommends a rule of thumb of five minutes of formal exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, until the puppy is fully grown. That's about 15 minutes at three months and 20 minutes at four months.

"Formal exercise" means lead walks and structured activity, not pottering in the garden. The PDSA adds:

• introduce exercise slowly while bones and joints grow, and limit jumping and fast running;
• aim for gentle walks with play in between, at your puppy's own pace;
• give plenty of rest between activities, and try not to wake a sleeping puppy.

Before your puppy has finished its vaccinations, ask your vet when walks in public places are safe (see our puppy vaccination guide). If your puppy gets wild and bitey after activity, it may need a nap rather than more exercise: see overtired puppy.

Senior dogs: little and often

As dogs get older, their needs change. The PDSA notes that older dogs often develop conditions such as arthritis, joint problems and loss of sight or hearing, and recommends:

• little and often: several shorter walks instead of one long one;
• a short route, in case your dog tires;
• daily outdoor time, even when long walks are no longer possible;
• gentle alternatives such as scent games, gentler play and, if safe and enjoyed, swimming;
• care with temperature, since older dogs cope less well with heat and cold.

Check with your vet that your senior dog's exercise level is right for it. Changes in stamina often go hand in hand with sleep changes in older dogs.

Safety tips for every age

• Not on a full stomach. The Royal Kennel Club warns that exercising a puppy on a full stomach can contribute to bloat, a life-threatening condition. Leave time after meals before vigorous exercise.
• Mind the heat. In summer, the PDSA suggests walking during the cooler hours at the start and end of the day and taking water.
• Build up gradually. A dog that is used to short walks needs time to build up to long hikes or runs.
• Watch your dog, not the clock. Lagging behind, lying down or limping means it's time to stop.

Is your dog getting the right amount?

If your dog often seems restless or struggles to settle, more activity or more brain work may help; the PDSA links excess energy to frustration and stress. If your dog seems stiff, reluctant to go out or unusually tired after exercise, scale back and ask your vet. Your vet can also tell you whether your dog's weight suggests it needs more or less.

It's surprisingly hard to know how much exercise your dog really gets over a week. If you record walks in DogsLife with GPS tracking, you'll see your actual weekly pattern next to sleep and meals, and can spot quickly if a busy week has cut your dog's walks short.