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How much exercise does your dog need?

The right amount of daily walks depends on age, breed and health — here is how to find your dog's level.

Puppies

Growing joints need protection. A common rule of thumb is about five minutes of structured walking per month of age, a few times per day, plus free play on soft ground. Skip forced running and long stair climbs until the dog is fully grown.

Adult dogs

Most adult dogs thrive on one to two hours of daily activity split across several walks. Working breeds usually need more, and mental work on the walk — sniffing, searching, training — tires the dog as much as distance.

Follow up in the app

Track your walks with GPS in the app and check the weekly summary. A steady routine matters more than single long weekend hikes, and sudden changes in how far your dog wants to go can be an early health signal.

Test yourself: Walks & exercise

What is a common rule of thumb for structured walks with a puppy?
  1. One hour per walk from 8 weeks
  2. About five minutes per month of age, a few times a day
  3. Puppies should not be walked at all

Correct answer: About five minutes per month of age, a few times a day

Growing joints need protection: short, structured walks scaled to age plus free play on soft ground is the safe pattern.

What tires most dogs as much as adding distance?
  1. Sniffing and mental work during the walk
  2. Walking faster
  3. Carrying a heavier harness

Correct answer: Sniffing and mental work during the walk

Nose work and problem solving are mentally demanding — ten minutes of sniffing can equal much longer plain walking.

How do you test if asphalt is too hot for paws?
  1. Look for heat shimmer
  2. It is never a problem in northern climates
  3. Hold the back of your hand on it for five seconds

Correct answer: Hold the back of your hand on it for five seconds

If you cannot comfortably hold your hand on the asphalt for five seconds, it can burn paw pads.

What is a warning sign during warm-weather walks?
  1. The dog wants to sniff more than usual
  2. Heavy panting, bright red gums and wobbling
  3. The dog drinks water at every break

Correct answer: Heavy panting, bright red gums and wobbling

Those are signs of overheating — move to shade, cool with lukewarm water and contact a vet.

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