If You Keep One New Year’s Resolution Keep This One For Your Dog
- Vickie Foster
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Vow this year to provide regularly scheduled exercise for your four-footed pal. A dog’s exercise routine is an important part of a healthy life. By helping them maintain physical fitness, mental sharpness, and keeping them emotionally balanced, regular workouts add years to your dog’s life.
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and prevent obesity. In older dogs it increases joint mobility and lessens the pain of arthritis.
Dogs also need mental stimulation to keep from being bored, just like humans do. Physical activity brings them a reduction in anxiety, depression, and stress and gives your pup a sense of purpose and satisfaction. According to Denise Bozenski, a holistic pet health coach with Revive and Thrive Canine Wellness, “Dogs are natural explorers, and exercise gives them the opportunity to engage with their environment. This mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for their overall happiness.”
Wondering how much workout time your dog needs? The general guideline is that a dog needs between 30 minutes to 2 hours a day. The amount depends on the dog’s breed type or mix of breeds. Below is a handy table to hone into a healthy target.
Breed Daily Exercise Amount*
Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Miniature Dachshund 30-45 minutes
Yorkshire Terrier, English Bulldog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Miniature Schnauzer 46-60 minutes
Toy/Miniature Poodles, Shetland Sheepdog
Cairn Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Bassett Hound, Tibetan Terrier 60-80 minutes
Whippet, West Highland Terrier
Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky 80-100 minutes
Border Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Great Dane 100-120 minutes
Border Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd More than 2 hours daily
English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler
Weimaraner
*Data provided by the Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animals. Please remember that the exercise amount is a guideline only – it varies depending on the dog’s size, physical fitness, health, age, and other factors.
Vary your dog's physical sessions. It will keep the activity interesting for your four-footed pal. If your pooch enjoys playing fetch, switch up tossing a ball with throwing a rope ring or a frisby. Explore swimming which can be especially good for older dogs with joint issues. Try interactive games to stimulate their mental sharpness.
With seasonal bad weather it’s sometimes hard to walk your pooch or play outside. That’s the time to get creative about getting in your dog’s work out.
- If you have access to indoor stairs, run up and down them for a workout with your furry buddy. Just keep in mind that dogs with short legs and long backs find steps challenging. Don’t push your dog too hard. Navigating stairs can be just as hard for them as for you.
- Play indoor hide and seek. It’s fun for your pup and provides mental stimulation too.
- How about a rousing game of tug of war? A great indoor activity.
It's not just adult dogs and puppies that need exercise. Though they may be low energy, senior dogs need it too. Exercise helps them keep their muscle mass, continue moving and stave off stiffness. Ask your vet how much of a workout your senior dog needs and how to work with any challenges an elder dog may have.
Always remember how important getting exercise is for your best canine friend. You will extend your pup’s healthy life and you will both be happier for it.
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