A couple of 10-minute walks, half hour games of fetch or a good long run every day—how much exercise should your dog get?

Well, it depends on several things: your dog likes, what you like to do, your pup’s physical condition, and his natural inclinations.

For instance, as you’ll see below, some breed types are more inclined to walk and others play games.

At a baseline, if you have a healthy dog, then 30-minute work outs at least four days a week are sufficient for good health. It doesn’t matter if it is one 30-minute session or 2 fifteen minute sessions, the benefits are the same.

If you have a highly active dog, she should get more sessions during the week to work off the energy. Dogs who are overweight also need more activity in order to shape up. However, you have to start small and add activity gradually. For instance, if your pudgy pooch has had no regular activity for quite some time, start with 10- to 15-minute leisurely walks on at least 5 days.

And don’t think, taking two 1-hour walks on Saturday and Sunday will make up for a week of inactivity. This could actually harm your dog if they are not in shape or suffer from certain conditions like arthritis.

It’s not always easy to fit in fitness, for dogs or humans, in the day. But if you schedule for it—just like the housework and sleeping—you will be inclined to exercise consistently

Ramping It Up
If you are looking to start a more vigorous routine, either because your dog needs it or you want to start running again, you should already have an established walking routine consists of at least 2 miles or its equivalent.

Add ten minute increments to your routine every 1-2 weeks until you are at the point where you want to be.

Naturally if you have any concerns at all about the state of your dog’s health, talk to your vet.

Starting Your Exercise Plan
If you have a healthy dog, 30-minute workouts at least four days a week are needed for good health. Two 15-minute romps are as good as one 30-minute session. Highly active dogs should get more sessions during the week to work off the energy.

Dogs who are overweight also need more activity in order to shape up. However, you have to start small and add activity gradually. For instance, if your pudgy pooch has had no regular activity for quite some time, start with 10- to 15-minute leisurely walks on at least 5 days.

And don’t think, taking an hour long walk on Sunday will make up for a week of inactivity. This could actually harm your dog if he is not in shape or suffers from certain conditions like arthritis.

Exercise is crucial to your dog’s good health, her physical health as well as her mental well-being. Make it a priority and work it in your schedule, and your efforts will pay off more than you know.

You Should Also Check Out This Post:

• What you lose when you can’t walk your dogs
• Exercising Indoors
• Dog People Get More Exercise
• Offer Your Dog An Active Lifestyle
• Cycling With A Dog

More Active Posts:

• Teach your dog tricks for fitness (4)
• Exercise and Dogs with Diabetes (3)
• Exercise and Dogs with Arthritis (2)
• Chew(ed) Toys (2)
• 10 Reasons to Try Dog Agility (2)
• A Cup of Water Please (2)
• Dogs Swimming Tips (1)
• Eight Reasons Why Exercise is Good for Your Dog's Mind (1)
• Puppies and Exercise - Not So Much (1)
• Cycling With A Dog (1)