How Much Exercise Does My Australian Shepherd Need? Breed Health Facts & FAQs

Australian Shepherds were originally bred as working dogs. They would herd livestock and could work for several hours at a time with minimal breaks. Today, they are bred as pets more often than as livestock herders. However, even pet Australian Shepherds are agile, athletic, active, intelligent, and adventurous. It's safe to say that they require plenty of exercise each day to lead a happy and healthy lifestyle.

But how much exercise does the average Australian Shepherd need in a day for immediate and long-term health and happiness? An Australian Shepherd needs roughly 1 hour of vigorous daily exercise. Here are a few guidelines that can help you figure out the perfect amount of exercise for your Australian Shepherd both now and as they age. Here’s what you should know.

The Average Amount of Exercise That an Australian Shepherd Should Get Each Day

Australian Shepherds are traditionally working dogs, so they tend to have plenty of energy. You can expect your Australian Shepherd to want 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day. The average adult Australian Shepherd needs at least 1 hour of vigorous daily exercise in the form of brisk walking, running, and playing at the dog park.

Exercise beyond this can be in the form of tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, and training games inside the house. Once the dog’s basic exercise needs are met, the dog is likely to adapt to their human companion’s activity levels. These dogs aren’t constantly active; they can snuggle up during movie time like any lap dog!

The Exercise Needs of Younger and Older Australian Shepherds

Australian Shepherd puppies are full of extra energy, but it gets depleted quickly. Therefore, pups do not usually need as much exercise as healthy adults do. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to start with 5 minutes of vigorous exercise for every month of the puppy's age until they are about 8 months old. Then, about an hour of activity a day should be adopted.

Older Australian Shepherds need less exercise than those in their prime because they simply don’t have as much energy to burn. Seniors tend to do well with about 30 minutes of exercise each day and less during their final years. If you are ever in doubt, talk to your veterinarian to get expert advice and guidance.

Knowing When Exercise Is Too Much or Isn’t Enough

If your dog is huffing, puffing, and slowing down during a stint of exercise, it’s a sign that they are getting tired and have had enough for the time being. You may have to break exercise sessions into blocks so they don’t get overly exerted. If an Australian Shepherd gets tired after a 20-minute walk, they will likely be ready for more exercise within just a few hours.

If your dog is not getting enough exercise, you will likely be able to tell due to their excessive barking, household destruction, and lack of obedience. When your Australian Shepherd seems restless and wants to cause trouble, chances are that more exercise should be incorporated into their daily life.

Conclusion

Australian Shepherds are highly active, intelligent, and sociable. They should get at least 1 hour of exercise each day to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. If you have problems getting your dog active or you can’t seem to keep up with their activity levels, talk to your veterinarian and consider working with a professional obedience trainer. It is also a good idea to consider signing up for agility classes.

Featured Image Credit: Danielle W Press, Shutterstock