Exercise & activity Articles

Exercise is more than fetch at the park. The latest veterinary research recommends 30 minutes to two hours of structured activity per day, depending on age, breed and health status. We start with a breed-energy matrix that pairs Huskies with distance running, Kelpies with herding games, and French Bulldogs with controlled leash walks to avoid airway strain.

For pet parents who run or cycle, we outline gradual mileage increases, hydration checkpoints and paw-pad inspections to prevent torn pads and heatstroke. Interactive charts convert kilometres to minutes, making it easy to hit weekly goals. If agility training is on your radar, our obstacle-by-obstacle breakdown covers weave-pole spacing, A-frame contact zones and warm-up drills that minimise ACL injuries.

Mental activity matters just as much. We rate puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and hide-and-seek commands on a “brain-burn” scale and include DIY versions using cardboard tubes and muffin trays. Trick-training modules—spin, crawl, tidy-up-toys—provide three-minute micro-sessions that slot into busy schedules and reinforce obedience cues.

Senior dogs aren’t left behind. Low-impact workouts such as underwater treadmill therapy, cavaletti rails and scent work keep ageing joints limber while engaging the mind. For dogs with arthritis we pair exercise suggestions with joint-support supplements (glucosamine, green-lipped mussel) and show how to monitor recovery through resting heart rate and morning stiffness logs.
Weather can derail routines, so we include climate-specific adaptations: early-morning walks in summer, fleece-lined booties for snow, and hallway retrieval games during heavy rain. A safety section covers leash-reactive dogs, trail etiquette, tick checks after bush hikes and high-visibility vests for night runs.

Finally, each article links exercise back to behaviour and weight management: consistent activity reduces barking, chewing and anxiety while helping overweight dogs achieve a sustainable calorie deficit. Paired with our Diet & nutrition guides, you’ll have a holistic roadmap to keep your dog’s body and mind in peak condition.