Appropriate exercise is fundamental to dog welfare, with breed, age, and health status determining optimal type and duration to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Exercise is a fundamental welfare need for dogs, but the right type and amount varies enormously by individual. Insufficient exercise causes frustration, redirected behaviour problems, and physical deconditioning. Excessive exercise in growing puppies risks lasting orthopaedic damage. Exercise should be varied — including free running, scent work, and social play — rather than only leash walking. Mental stimulation through scent-based activities is as important as physical exercise for cognitive welfare. Senior dogs benefit from little-and-often exercise rather than occasional intense activity.