We’ve all seen the “10,000 steps a day” rule for humans. But what about our dogs?
As a professional dog walker and enrichment advocate here in Atlanta, I get asked this question all the time:
“How much exercise does my dog really need?”
The answer? It depends.
Not all steps are created equal. A senior Shih Tzu and a young Border Collie might both love a stroll, but their movement needs are wildly different. And if you’re relying on a blanket “20 minutes in the backyard” routine, your dog could be missing out on key enrichment that supports their health, behavior, and happiness.
That’s why I created this blog post—to help you understand your dog’s step goals, not as a number to obsess over, but as a daily benchmark that helps you become more in tune with their needs.
Dogs don’t just walk for exercise—they walk to explore, decompress, sniff, and mentally reset. Just like we get grumpy when we’re sedentary, dogs can experience:
- Increased anxiety
- Destructive behaviors
- Weight gain
- Boredom-based barking or reactivity
Consistent, structured movement (aka purposeful walks) can dramatically improve your dog’s:
✅ Behavior
✅ Digestion
✅ Sleep
✅ Emotional regulation
✅ Joint health (especially in older dogs)
Step Recommendations by Breed Group
These are general daily step goals, but your dog’s age, health, and lifestyle will affect their needs. When in doubt, aim for enrichment-based movement over pure mileage.
🔥 High-Energy Breeds (12,000–15,000+ steps/day)
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Border Collies
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Australian Shepherds
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Belgian Malinois
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Jack Russell Terriers
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Vizslas
Best Approach:
Break up movement into multiple walks. Include fetch, sniff breaks, and brain games. One long walk isn’t enough—they crave structure and mental challenges.
🏃♂️ Active Companion Breeds (8,000–12,000 steps/day)
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Labrador Retrievers
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Golden Retrievers
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Cocker Spaniels (hi Praline!)
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Poodles
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Boxers
Best Approach:
Two structured walks a day + 1 enrichment session (lick mat, puzzle toy, or training). These dogs thrive when they have a “job.”
🧘 Moderate-Energy Breeds (6,000–8,000 steps/day)
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Bulldogs
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Basset Hounds
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Shih Tzus
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Cavaliers
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Dachshunds
Best Approach:
Keep walks short but frequent. Heat-sensitive breeds (like Bulldogs) should walk in the morning or evening. Sniff time matters more than speed.
👴 Senior Dogs & Low-Energy Companions (4,000–6,000 steps/day)
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Seniors of any breed
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Chihuahuas
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Pekingese
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Toy breeds with joint concerns
Best Approach:
Break walks into 10-minute increments. Prioritize gentle movement, sniffs, and soft surfaces. Movement is still essential—but quality > quantity.
Atlanta Tip: Combine Your Dog’s Step Goals with Local Terrain
Atlanta has hills, shaded trails, and sensory-rich neighborhoods. Here’s how to work with it:
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Piedmont Park: Great for flat, senior-friendly strolls
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The BeltLine: High sensory input—good for active dogs who need stimulation
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Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve: Perfect for moderate to high-energy dogs who love natural terrain
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Inman Park streets: Urban sniffs galore—excellent for bored city dogs
🛠️ How to Track Your Dog’s Steps (and Why It Helps)
You don’t have to use a tracker—but if you want a clearer picture:
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Fi Collar: GPS + step count = great insights, if you live in Atlanta and looking for a dog walker ( FYI if you have a dog you need a dog walker) all of our clients receive a Fi GPS collar as part of our service.
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Manual method: Time walks and aim for 30–90 minutes of total movement per day depending on breed
✅ Checklist: Is Your Dog Hitting Their Step Goal?
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Do they settle easily after walks?
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Are they sleeping through the night?
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Are they less reactive indoors?
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Is their weight steady?
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Are their nails naturally filing down?
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to help.
❤️ Need Help Meeting Your Dog’s Step Goal?
You don’t have to do it alone.
At Praline’s Backyard Dog Services, we specialize in structured, GPS tracked walks tailored to your dog’s age, energy level, and enrichment needs. Whether you have a bored Vizsla or a senior Spaniel, we help them meet their goals—mentally and physically. Our GPS collar by Fi tracks your dog’s steps, sleep, behavior including drinking water, barks, eating and scratching.
🦴 Want a personalized movement plan for your dog?
Book a free Dog Lifestyle Consultation and let’s create a care routine that works for you and your dog.👉 Schedule Your Consultation HERE
📍 Serving dog parents within 7 miles of 30308 -