Are You Over-Exercising or Under-Exercising Your Dog?

Key points:

• Exercise needs vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, size, health and energy levels.
• Puppies need age-appropriate activity while their joints and growth plates are still developing.
• Restlessness, destructive behaviour and excessive barking can sometimes indicate a need for more physical or mental stimulation.
• Stiffness, reluctance to move and unusually heavy panting can be signs that your dog has overdone it.
• Rest and recovery are just as important as exercise, particularly for older dogs and highly active breeds.
• Your dog’s routine should be adjusted over time as their age, health and activity levels change.

Keeping your dog active is important for their physical and mental health. But do you know if they’re getting enough exercise, or even too much? Every dog’s dog exercise needs will vary based on factors such as age, breed, size and overall health.

Read on to learn how much activity your dog may need, the signs of under- and over-exercising, and why recovery is just as important as movement.

How much exercise does a dog need?

The short answer is: it depends. Your dog’s age, breed, size and overall health will determine what they need, and those requirements will change as they move through different life stages.

As a general guide:

• Working and herding breeds, such as kelpies and border collies, are bred for stamina and mental engagement. These dogs often benefit from structured activity and plenty of play spread throughout the day.

• Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, can be more prone to overheating and breathing difficulties. They generally suit shorter, gentler sessions rather than long or strenuous exercise.

• Smaller or lower-energy breeds may need less overall activity, although they still benefit from regular movement and mental stimulation.

For a more detailed breakdown, our dog exercise guide covers activity needs in more detail. If you're unsure what's right for your dog, your vet can help tailor a routine to their individual needs.

How much exercise does a puppy need?

Puppies have different exercise requirements from adult dogs. Their joints and growth plates are still developing, so too much high-impact activity may place unnecessary strain on their growing bodies. At the same time, too little activity and enrichment can leave them restless or under-stimulated.

Rather than following a strict formula, watch how your puppy responds. If they seem tired, sluggish or reluctant after activity, it may be time to scale back. Puppies are growing rapidly and need plenty of sleep and rest alongside play.

If they're restless at home, they may benefit from more structured play, enrichment or short training sessions throughout the day. For a more detailed walking guide, take a look at our article on how often you should be walking your dog.

Signs your dog might be under-exercised

Behaviour can be one of the clearest signs that a dog isn't getting enough physical or mental stimulation. If they’re restless or struggling to settle, they may need a healthier outlet for their energy. Keep an eye out for:

• Restlessness or difficulty settling, especially in the evening

• Destructive behaviour, such as chewing furniture or digging

• Excessive barking or vocalisation

• Pacing or seeming unable to relax

These behaviours aren't necessarily about your dog being "naughty". They may indicate that excess energy needs an outlet through physical activity, mental enrichment or both. Exercising your dog should always take their breed, age, health and individual needs into account.

Signs your dog might be over-exercised

Overdoing it can be just as unhelpful as under-exercising, and the signs tend to be more physical. Watch for:

• Stiffness or limping, particularly the day after activity

• Reluctance to move or go on their next walk

• Heavier or more laboured panting than usual

• Slower recovery than you'd expect

This is where breed and age make a real difference. Older dogs, brachycephalic breeds and growing puppies can be more vulnerable to overexertion, so what counts as "too much" varies from dog to dog.

If these signs continue beyond a day or two, or you notice pain or reduced mobility, check in with your vet rather than simply adjusting their routine on your own.

Why recovery matters as much as activity

Rest between more intense activity gives muscles and joints time to recover. This matters for every dog, but particularly working breeds, highly active dogs and older dogs. Constant activity without enough recovery may contribute to stiffness and fatigue.

Building rest days or lower-intensity activity into your dog's routine is part of keeping them active and healthy over the long term.

Diet can also play a role in supporting your dog’s overall health and mobility. Depending on their individual needs, your vet may recommend a prescription dog food to support areas such as weight management or mobility. Joint supplements may also form part of a vet-recommended plan for some dogs.

Finding the right balance for your dog

Your dog exercise needs will change as they grow, age or experience shifts in their health, so it’s worth reviewing their routine regularly rather than sticking to a fixed plan. Watching their behaviour, mobility and recovery after activity can tell you a lot about whether their current routine is working.

If you're unsure whether you've got the balance right, your vet can help put together an exercise plan suited specifically to your dog.

Wondering if your dog’s exercise routine is right for them? Book a check-up with your local Petstock Vet for tailored advice.