How long is too long of a walk for a Golden Retriever

How Much Exercise Does a Golden Retriever Need?

Golden Retrievers are a breed known for being sweet, intelligent, loyal, and rarely aggressive merely big lovers. But adding a Golden Retriever to the family means being committed to providing the amount of exercise they need and deserve.

How Much Exercise Does a Golden Retriever Need?

How much exercise a Golden Retriever needs in a day will vary depending on their age. A puppy will need anywhere from 15-25 minutes of exercise per day, while an adult Golden will require anywhere from 40-120 minutes of exercise per day.

Its essential to keep in mind that while Golden Retrievers are most commonly house and/or family pets, they still have the genetic makeup of a working dog. This makes exercise mandatory for your Golden Retriever, as without it, dogs can become bored and start engaging in undesirable behavior. Regular exercise keeps furry friends happy, healthy, and calm.

How much exercise is needed to keep your Golden healthy and happy depends on their age. For instance, a puppy is still growing and developing and will require less daily activity, while an adult Golden Retriever will need significantly more.

Golden Retriever Puppies

How much exercise does a Golden Retriever Puppy need? A simple way, and good rule in general, for determining how much daily exercise your Golden Retriever puppy needs is 5 minutes per every month theyve been alive.

So, if your puppy is three months old they will need about 15 minutes of daily exercise, at four months about 20 minutes of daily exercise, at five months, they will require roughly 25 minutes of daily exercise, and so on. This rule is encouraged until your pup reaches one year old.

Keep in mind that puppies still have tender bones that are still developing and little bodies that are still growing. Over-exercising as a puppy can lead to early bone and joint issues.

Beginning exercise with your Golden Retriever at a young age creates a strong bond with your dog and encourages a happy, healthy lifestyle right from the start.

Adult to Senior Golden Retrievers

Exercise for adult Golden Retrievers is crucial for maintaining good health and keeping muscles and joints functioning while also managing their weight.

It is recommended that adult Golden Retrievers get roughly 20 30 minutes of exercise twice a day. Often, you wont have to worry about too much exercise as adult Goldens are more than happy to engage in any physical activity you throw at them.

As Golden Retrievers age, its important to keep an eye out for signs of aches and pains or signs that they are slowing down. Golden Retrievers are notorious for just wanting to please their owners, so its not uncommon that they will overexert themselves as they get older, which can lead to soreness and/or bone and joint issues.

A good way to ensure your Golden Retriever will get the right amount of exercise is to consider your own lifestyle and tailor your needs. If youre an active person that goes on daily walks or runs, take your dog with you. If youre more laid back, consider other exercises for your pet, such as playing fetch or dock diving.

If your pet is being active and spending time with you, theyll stay happy and healthy.

Best Ways to Exercise a Golden Retriever

There are a ton of ways to make sure your Golden Retriever is getting enough exercise, rain or shine. Dont be afraid to get creative with exercises as Golden Retrievers are extremely flexible, and always remember to check with your vet before engaging in a strenuous or high impact activity.

Exercise Ideas for Puppies

Exercise for your Golden Retriever puppy is essential. Early exercise helps them get on track for a lifetime of healthy living. It also helps to get out their energy so they remain more calm during training.

Exercise Ideas for Adult Golden Retrievers

Here are our favorite ways to get moving with Adult Golden Retrievers. Be sure to mix it up so your dog has a variety of exercises. This keeps him interested and helps work out different parts of his body.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to break out of the ordinary walk around the block. Before you go, check to make sure hiking trails are dog-friendly and check rules regarding leashes. Dont forget a bowl for water, so your dog doesnt become dehydrated, and after a long day of hiking, opt to give your trail buddy a warm, relaxing bath when you get home.

This COMSUN Collapsible Dog Bowl is great for taking on a hiking trip as they are durable, reusable, and can clip right on to your backpack, purse, or leash

Dog Parks

Golden Retrievers are naturally friendly dogs, so taking your dog to a dog park is a great way for your dog to run around free and get social. Be sure to check your local dog park rules before you visit.

If youre unsure of where a dog park is in your city, there are a number of apps that can help with that. Here are a few apps that can help you find the perfect spot to take your furry friend.

• Dog Park Finder Plus this app not only lists dog parks, but also includes a list of dog-friendly restaurants.
• Bark Happy this app lists local dog parks, as well as, dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, and amenities offered at each one.
• Off Leash Off-leash is a great app for not only finding nearby dog parks, but it also gives you all the details/rules of each dog park.
• PlayPal Dog Park Buddy Another great app for locating dog parks, and PlayPal allows you to set up puppy play dates with your friends.

Swimming

Swimming is a great exercise for your Golden Retriever and a great way for them to keep cool during hot summer months. Golden Retrievers are natural swimmers, and their coat allows them to dry quickly. If you dont have a pool at home, you can take your dog to a dog-friendly lake or fill up a kiddy pool for them.

If your dog is new to swimming, take it slow by starting in shallow waters; and even if your dog is used to the water, remove their collar and be sure to keep an eye on them while swimming because accidents can always happen.

After a day of swimming, be sure to give your dog a bath to remove any dirt and/or chlorine from their coat.

Fetch

Fetch is a super fun game for you and your Golden Retriever. Grab his or her favorite small, lightweight toy and head outside to your favorite park, or if the weather isnt ideal for spending time outdoors, stay inside.

Due to their retriever instincts, Golden Retrievers usually LOVE playing fetch. You can spend and hour straight with some Goldens and they never tire of this game.

Agility Training

Agility training is not only fun for your pet, but also helps you bond with them. Agility training can take place in your backyard, favorite local park, or even inside if the weather isnt cooperating. In many areas, there are agility groups you can join if youre new to this activity.

Agility courses can be set up using hula hoops, tunnels, and/or PVC pipes. There are some videos on YouTube that show how you can build agility equipment at home for under $50.

Walking or Running

Dont underestimate how much your Golden Retriever will enjoy a basic walk or run with you. If youre a runner, dont worry about your Golden Retriever not being able to keep up with you, they typically dont have a problem keeping up with their owners.

Hunting

Before your Golden Retriever is ready to go hunting, there is a certain amount of training theyll have to go through, but dont forget, these dogs are hunters at heart, so once theyre ready, theyll quickly fall in love with this form of exercise.

Hide and Seek

If youre stuck inside on a rainy day, play some hide and seek with your Golden Retriever. Find a way to distract them, perhaps with their favorite toy, then hide. Your dog will love running around the house trying to find you.

Dock Diving

If your Golden Retriever just cant get enough of the water, consider taking them dock diving. Dock diving is like fetch, just in the water. Throw your dogs favorite float toy in the water and wait for them to jump in and retrieve it. Dock diving can be tiring, so be sure to look for signs of your dog becoming tired.

Laser Pointer

Another idea for some inside exercising is shining a laser around the house and allowing your dog to chase it. Just be sure not to point the laser in your dogs eyes as this can cause damage to eyes.

Tug of War

Tug of war is a great game to play indoors or outdoors, and can be played with a variety of toys. The GoughnutsTug Toy is a safe and tough option for a tug of war rope for your dog. Tug of war can trigger aggression in some dogs, so if you notice this type of behavior, discontinue this activity and choose another form of exercise.

Hiding Treats

If youre looking for a way to keep your dog entertained indoors, hide a few treats around the house, and your dog will stay entertained and actively trying to find all the treats.

Signs Your Golden Retriever Isnt Getting Enough Exercise

Golden Retrievers require a certain amount of exercise each day. As a pet owner, you may wonder if your dog is getting the amount of physical activity they need. Here is a list of signs your dog may be exhibiting if he or she is not getting enough daily exercise.

1. Weight Gain. Weight gain will occur if your dog is eating too much and not exercising enough. If you notice a significant change in your dogs weight, consider how much food your dog is consuming versus how much exercise theyre getting. Consider increasing the amount of exercise your dog is getting, and also consult with your vet regarding a diet and exercise plan.

1. Depression/Becoming Withdrawn. If your dog was once social but has become more withdrawn, they may not be receiving enough physical activity. Like humans, dogs require physical activity to maintain good physical and emotional health.

1. Destructive Behavior. Suddenly engaging in destructive behavior such as chewing, getting into the trash, and/or increased aggression toward people or other dogs are all telltale signs of your Golden Retriever not getting enough exercise.

1. Excessive Barking or Whining. Dogs that arent receiving enough exercise will often begin to bark or whine to gain their owners attention.

1. Hyperactivity. If you notice your Golden Retriever becoming a little too excited when going outside and engaging in activities such as leash pulling or becoming difficult to control while on a walk, it may be time to increase how much exercise he or she is getting.

1. Stiffness or Lack of Endurance. If your dog isnt getting enough physical activity, they may become stiff, sore, and their endurance may plummet. Its important to consult with your vet to address any underlying health conditions.

Conclusion

While Golden Retrievers are all around great dogs, its important to note they also require a certain amount of daily exercise to keep them both mentally and physically healthy.

Golden Retriever puppies dont require as much daily exercise as Golden Retriever adults, but making sure puppies and adults are getting enough physical activity will strengthen your bond with your dog, keep muscles and joints functioning, and aid in maintaining their weight.

There are tons of ways to exercise your Golden Retriever whether you can get outside or youre stuck indoors, including hiking, swimming, hide and seek, dock diving, and agility training. Considering your own lifestyle and tailoring in your dogs needs will help ensure they are getting the right amount of exercise.

If youre concerned your dog may not be getting enough exercise, there are signs you can look for, such as excessive barking, weight gain, or depression. Always consult with your vet just in case there are underlying health conditions.

Now that you know how much exercise your Golden Retriever needs and different ways you and your dog can get active, its time to get up and get out with your best furry friend. If you are interested in training your dog, be sure to read our Guide to Training a Golden Retriever!