How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Really Need?

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Really Need? (And Why Enrichment Matters Just as Much) 🐾

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I walking my dog enough?”—you’re not alone. Getting the right amount of exercise is essential for your dog’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall behaviour. But how much is enough? And what do we mean by exercise? Why does enrichment matter?

Physical Activity: The Basics

Dogs need regular physical activity to stay healthy, burn off energy, and avoid behavioural issues. There is no one-size-fits-all amount of exercise, but there are a number of general principles to work by;

Age: Puppies need short, controlled bursts of movement throughout the day—not long walks. Older dogs may slow down, but they still benefit from gentle activity.
Size: small breeds need less exercise than larger/working breeds:

Small breeds: 20–40 minutes per day
Medium breeds: 45–90 minutes per day
Large/working breeds: 1–2 hours per day or more

Energy Level: High-energy dogs like Border Collies, Vizslas, or working breeds may need 1.5–2+ hours of physical activity per day. Lower-energy breeds, like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds, need much less—but still benefit from short, regular outings.
Health & Mobility: Dogs with joint issues or other health concerns may need alternative forms of movement, like swimming or controlled, low-impact play.

Keeping Track With Biscuit

If you’re struggling to keep track of those strides around the loop, why not try Biscuit - it lets you log your walks, so patterns start to emerge and you’ll soon be able to spot those quieter days, shorter strolls, or skipped walks that add up over time.

According to Biscuit, most users say they walk further and more often thanks to the app — and it’s easy to see why. You can earn Biscuits (the in-app currency) on every outing, track streaks and work towards Wellbeing Badges. And the icing on the cake? Those Biscuits can be swapped for rewards like vouchers and treats for both you and your dog.

Biscuit gives you that little nudge to get out the door, while helping you build healthier habits that feel good for both of you.

How To Keep It Interesting

Movement isn’t just about walkies, there are lots of other ways you can get your dog moving to keep things interesting and fun;

Tug-of-War: This is a great way to burn off energy, especially on rainy days. Tug strengthens your bond and teaches impulse control, as long as your dog knows how to play politely.
Create an obstacle course at home: Use household items like cushions, chairs, and broomsticks to build a mini agility course. Teach your dog to jump, crawl, or weave—it’s great for both body and brain.
Doggie play dates: Social dogs love the chance to run and wrestle with friends. A well-matched playdate is a great form of physical and mental exercise.
Swimming: If your dog enjoys water, swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise, perfect for older dogs or those with joint issues.
Pro tip: A dog that gets just the “right amount” of physical exercise will be calm, relaxed, and settled at home—not bouncing off the walls or collapsing in exhaustion.

Mental Exercise: The Basics

Something many pet parents overlook is that mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for a well-rounded, happy dog. Mental exercise challenges your dog’s brain, which can wear them out faster than a long walk. Mentally stimulated dogs are less likely to develop boredom-based behaviour problems like chewing, digging, or barking.
Dogs aren’t just physical creatures—they’re thinkers, problem-solvers, and sniffers by nature. Mental stimulation helps prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behaviours. In fact, 15 minutes of mental work can tire a dog out as much as a 30-minute walk!

Mental Enrichment Ideas

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—mental enrichment can be simple, fun, and part of your daily routine.

Pro tip: Food is a great motivator - using one of our tailored Caboodle trays provides plenty of variety while making sure you don’t overfeed.

Snuffle mats and scatter feeding – dogs are natural born scavengers, let them use their nose to search for kibble.
Training games – pop some kibble in your pocket for 5–10 minutes of obedience or trick training which engages the brain and strengthens your bond. Use a mixture of kibble flavours and treats to keep things interesting for your dog - pups love variety.
Scent games – hide treats around the house or garden and let them “hunt.”
Interactive toys or puzzles – great for keeping dogs occupied when you're busy. Use some of your kibble in a puzzle feeder or spread our meaty wet food on to a reusable lick mat.
Chewing – natural chews or stuffed KONGs help relieve stress and provide satisfaction. Soak some of your Caboodle kibble in water, spoon it into a KONG and freeze it to turn mealtimes into a challenge

Balancing Physical and Mental Needs

To fully satisfy your dog, aim to combine both movement and mental work throughout the day. Here's a simple daily structure:

Morning: A sniffy walk + 5–10 minutes of training

Midday: Puzzle toy or scatter feeding for lunch

Afternoon: A game of fetch, tug, or light play

Evening: A chew, some scent games, or calm mat work

You don’t have to do everything every day—but varying your routine keeps things interesting for your dog and helps you discover what they truly enjoy.

As a general rule of thumb for many adult dogs:

30 minutes of physical exercise
30 minutes of mental stimulation

Split across the day, this balance often leads to a calmer, more content dog—without wearing you out in the process.

Tailoring to Your Dog

Every dog is different. Here’s how to gauge if you’ve hit the right balance:

✅ Well-exercised dogs:
Calm at home
Settles easily after activity
Shows interest in play but isn’t manic
Sleeps well at night

❌ Under-stimulated dogs:
Destructive behaviour
Incessant barking
Clinginess or restlessness
Over-excitement during minor activities

The Takeaway

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much exercise your dog needs. The key is to look beyond just “burning energy” and start thinking about how to enrich your dog’s life. A balance of physical movement, mental engagement, and rest makes for a well-rounded, well-behaved, and happy pup.

Remember: a tired dog isn’t always a happy dog—but a fulfilled one definitely is.