Health and Daily Care by Team Vekaan: Your Expert Guide to Canine Health, Behavior, and Care.

How much Exercise: A “tired dog is a good dog,” but the wrong type of exercise can cause injury or over-arousal. This guide breaks down exercise needs by breed type and explains why mental stimulation is just as important as physical running.

“How long should I walk my dog?” is one of the most common questions we hear at drop-off. Many owners believe that a 20-minute stroll around the block is sufficient for every dog, while others worry they aren’t running marathons with their Husky.

The truth is that exercise needs vary wildly based on breed genetics, age, and health status.

As professional boarders, we tailor activity levels to the individual dog. Here is how you can determine the perfect activity level for your companion.

1. The Breed Breakdown: Genetics Matter

You cannot exercise a Bulldog the same way you exercise a Border Collie. We categorize dogs into three energy tiers:

Tier 1: High-Octane Athletes (The Working Breeds)

• Breeds: Border Collies, Huskies, Vizslas, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers.
• Requirement: 90–120 minutes per day.
• Vekaan Insight: These dogs do not just need to walk; they need to run and work. A casual walk will not drain their battery. They require high-intensity fetch, swimming, or agility training to prevent destructive boredom.

Tier 2: The Moderate Movers (The Companions)

• Breeds: Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Beagles, Poodles.
• Requirement: 45–60 minutes per day.
• Vekaan Insight: A good hour of mixed activity—part walking, part sniffing, part play—is the sweet spot. They are often happy to match your activity level but still need daily consistency to prevent obesity.

Tier 3: The Low-Energy Loungers (The Sprinters)

• Breeds: Greyhounds, Bulldogs, Great Danes, Basset Hounds.
• Requirement: 20–30 minutes per day.
• Vekaan Insight: Surprisingly, many large breeds like Great Danes are “couch potatoes” who need short bursts of activity followed by long naps. For brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, exercise must be strictly limited in heat to prevent respiratory distress.

2. The “Mental Gym”: Why Brain Work Matters

Physical exercise builds endurance; mental exercise builds a calm dog. 15 minutes of intense mental work can be as tiring as a 1-hour walk.

• Sniffaris: Put your dog on a long leash and let them sniff whatever they want. Do not rush them. Sniffing lowers their pulse and engages their brain.
• Puzzle Toys: Feed meals in slow feeders or hide-and-seek toys.
• Trick Training: Teaching a new trick forces the dog to focus and problem-solve, burning significant mental energy.

3. The Puppy Rule (Growth Plate Safety)

Puppies have soft growth plates at the ends of their bones. Excessive, repetitive exercise (like long runs on pavement) can cause permanent joint damage.

• The 5-Minute Rule: A general guideline is 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day.

• Example: A 4-month-old puppy needs roughly 20 minutes of walking per session.

• Avoid: High-impact jumping or forced running until they are fully grown (12–18 months depending on the breed).

4. Signs Your Dog is Under-Exercised

If you aren’t doing enough, your dog will tell you through behavior:

• Destructive chewing (furniture, shoes).
• Excessive barking or whining.
• “Zoomies” late at night.
• Rough play and nipping.

Conclusion: Exercise is the cheapest and most effective medicine for behavior problems. Match the activity to your dog’s genetics, mix in some brain games, and you will have a happier, healthier, and much quieter household.