How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Actually Need?

Most behaviour complaints in Indian flats come down to a dog with more energy than outlet.

A rough guide

Low-energy breeds and seniors: 30 minutes. Most medium breeds: 60 minutes. Working breeds such as German Shepherds, Border Collies and Huskies: 90 minutes or more, split across the day.

Puppies need less than you think

Roughly five minutes of formal exercise per month of age, twice a day. Over-exercising a growing large breed damages joints.

Mental work counts double

Fifteen minutes of scent work or a food puzzle tires a dog more than a half-hour walk on a lead. This matters in summer when long walks are unsafe.

Signs of too little

Destructive chewing, barking at nothing, pacing, and an inability to settle in the evening.