Exercise is an important component of a dog’s health and happiness. Dogs are instinctively programmed to “work” through physical activity.[1] How much exercise dogs need depends on different factors, including their size. Larger dogs need more physical activity every day to ward off boredom and frustration, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Exercising your large dog for long enough every day also promotes its overall health.[2] You can give your large dog enough exercise by figuring out its specific physical activity needs and incorporating physical activity throughout the day.
Figuring Out Your Dog’s Exercise Needs
Recognize basic needs for every dog. A walk or two around the neighborhood isn’t usually enough exercise for dogs. Most dogs need 30-60 minutes of exercise every day.[3] Your dog can get this exercises through a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. These might include:
- Walking
- Running
- Swimming
- Climbing and/ or running up stairs
- Throwing toys
- Obstacle courses[4]
- Exercise breeds in hunting, working, or herding groups will need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise and 1-2 hours of activity every day. Breeds in this group include Labrador retrievers, hounds, collies and shepherds. Other dogs that need this much exercise are pointers and spaniels.[6]
- Be aware that some large dog breeds won’t need much exercise. Aim to get the following breeds 30-60 minutes of activity each day: bulldogs, bull mastiffs, Great Danes, greyhounds, and Old English sheepdogs. In some cases, your dog’s personality and ability may warrant more or less.
- Recognize that it can be difficult to gauge how much exercise mixed breeds need. If you have an idea of what heritage your dog has, follow exercise guidelines for that breed. If you don’t, consider asking your vet what breed the dog may be and adjust your exercise program accordingly.
- Restlessness
- Pacing around
- Racing through the house[8]
- Rough play
- Excited nipping or biting
- Digging
- Scratching
- Destructive chewing
Incorporating Physical Activity Throughout the Day
- Fix a specific time each day to get 30 minutes of vigorous activity with your large dog. For example, you could schedule a 30-minute run together in the mornings before work or school. If you’re not a runner, consider taking your dog to the yard, a field, or dog park for 30 minutes. Do an activity that is vigorous for your dog but easy on you such as fetching or blowing bubbles specifically designed for dogs.[11]
- Aim for a long walk of about an hour in addition to the vigorous exercise. You can also break this into two 30-minute walks.
- Adjust your dog’s exercise routine as necessary. For example, if you have an early meeting, see if you can sneak out to run the dog at lunch.
- Set aside at least one day to do an activity you and your dog both love but may not be possible every day. For example, if you have work or school, you may have off weekends. On a Saturday or Sunday, you can let your dog run as you ride your bike or go for a nature hike.
- Follow your large dog for a brisk 30-40 minute walk at least once a day and ideally twice. This can ensure your dog’s gets enough exercise and brain releases feel-good hormones.
- Allow your dog to sniff around and decide where to go as long as it is not pulling on the leash. Doing so may promote dominance and bad leash manners. Guide the dog with verbal commands if it starts to pull at the leash. A gentle “This way, Spot” gives your dog the sense that it can explore while maintaining your authority.
- Watch your dog while you’re at the park, which can cue you into when your dog is tired. This is also important because not all dogs play nicely with one another.
- Running up the stairs with your dog
- Playing fetch
- Hiding treats around the house
- Playing keep away
- Kicking around dog exercise balls[21]
- Setting up an obstacle course
- Hard rubber toys for chewing and carrying around
- Rope toys
- Balls
- “Busy box” toys with hiding places for snacks
- Soft, stuffed and/or squeaky toys
- Dirty laundry that smells like you
- Recognize your dog should come home worn out and happy from a day care or dog walker.
Sources:
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs
- http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_exercising_with_your_dog101
- http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs
- https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/toys-and-play/ways-to-exercise-your-dog-indoors
- http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_exercising_with_your_dog101#
- http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/12204-20-dogs-that-need-lots-of-exercise
- http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_exercising_with_your_dog101#
- http://www.canidae.com/blog/2013/10/telltale-signs-your-dog-needs-more-exercise/
- http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/healthy-affection-vs-obsession/760
- http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=2#2
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=2#2
- http://www.caninemind.co.uk/dogsneeds.html
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=3
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=4
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=5
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=6
- http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs
- http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs
- https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/toys-and-play/ways-to-exercise-your-dog-indoors
- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=6
- http://www.caninejournal.com/why-dogs-eat-grass/
- http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs