Exercise for Dogs during Boarding

Walkies!  We love our walks.  And we don't do cages like most of the kennels.  The dogs are kept busy when not napping; toys to general activity with whatever room we are in doing things.  This sum fits into the total level of activity.

Most healthy adult dogs need activity.  30 minutes to a couple of hours of total activity per day is preferred.  It will differ by breed purpose, age, health, fitness and certainly weather.  Our 10 acres at High Vibes Dogs makes it easy for the pups to get out and around at least twice a day, usually on longer walks of the trails in the morning and end of day.  

Here's a quick list from a general search.  Note it doesn't include Puppies which is a whole other matter of BUSY-ness.

• Toy and small, lower-energy adults such as my ol' pomeranian mix = 30-45 minutes so 2-3 short walks, indoor play, gentle fetch and oh the sniffing
• Small, energetic adults (think Jack Russel, rat terriers and maybe mini pinchers) = 45-75 minutes, brisk walks plus play, training and scent games
• Medium, moderate-energy adults - such as my basenji mix girl = 45 minutes to an hour and a half of walks, games, hiking, training or swimming.  I know if she doesn't get in a good run, zoomies and chase despite her 10 years she will not be happy and sigh frequently during the day to whine for more time out to in fact take off and not come back around the property exploring on her own for awhile.
• Large moderate-energy adults such as Golden retrievers, standard poodles, collies, Newfie's and the like = an hour to an hour and a half of steady walks and low-impact play; build fitness gradually
• Giant Breeds  - Weimaraner's, Mastiff's, great danes = half an hour to an hour of several controlled, low-impact outings; avoid repetitive pounding
• High energy working, sporting and herding adults such as Huskies, Australian shepherds who will try to herd the furniture if you're not careful = hour and a half to two hours Vigorous activity plus a “job,” such as retrieval, scent work, training, agility, or hiking
• Flat-faced/short-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, frenchies, pugs, pitbulls = 20-45 minutes of gentle, cool-weather walks and indoor enrichment; closely monitor breathing.
• Senior dogs such as those over age 10 who may have mobility issues = 20 minutes to an hour of several easy walks, swimming if possible, mobility work and sniffing outings.

These totals can include walking, play, training, swimming, fetch, and exploratory “sniff walks”—not just fast-paced leash miles.

Now, Puppies on the other hand, need to be kept busy!  Frequent short, self-paced play and exploration sessions daily may do it.  Many trainers use 5 minutes of structured walking per month of age, up to twice daily.  This may also include opportunities to go out for 'pees and poops' as part of potty training. The time increases as they age.  Young adult dogs usually have the highest physical-exercise requirements.  Find those play toys, games and have them at the ready to keep them busy - otherwise yep, the shoes may be eaten along with other interesting 'discoveries' that will unwittingly provide 'entertainment.'