How Much Daily Exercise Does a Goldendoodle Need? Physical, Mental & Signs

Goldendoodles are very popular. They are a combination of two of the most popular dog breeds in the world, a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. These dogs are prized for their adorable looks and unique hypoallergenic coat, but few people realize just how much activity Goldendoodles need. At first glance, Goldendoodles do not look like an athletic powerhouse, but they need a surprising amount of exercise to satisfy their needs. Goldendoodles need between 1 and 3 hours of activity per day, and the activities need to be a mixture of physical and mental. Here is everything you need to know about your Goldendoodle exercise needs.

Goldendoodle Exercise Needs

Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise. Most experts agree that an active Goldendoodle needs at least 2 hours of exercise per day, and some more active dogs might need as much as three hours. That is a lot of activity, and it is something that people need to be aware of before getting a Goldendoodle of their own.

The exact amount of exercise your Goldendoodle needs will depend on your individual dog. Younger dogs, and especially puppies, will likely need the full 3 hours of exercise to be satisfied. Older dogs and dogs that have calmed down and settled into a routine might only need 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day. However, you should not go below an hour a day of exercise for any Goldendoodle.

There are multiple different ways to exercise your Goldendoodle. Since these dogs are both energetic and intelligent, they will need a combination of physical and mental stimulation to keep them satisfied.

Physical Exercise

Goldendoodles need plenty of physical exercise. One of the best ways to get your Goldendoodle physical exercise is to take them on long walks. Walks have the benefit of getting your dog out of the house and letting them sniff and explore new environments. If possible, you should take your Goldendoodle on two substantial walks per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Each walk should be 30–60 minutes long.

Another way to get your Goldendoodle physical exercise is to play with them in the backyard. Playing fetch, chase, and tuggy are great ways to help your Goldendoodle blow off some steam without necessarily having to go on a walk.

Lastly, taking your Goldendoodle to the dog park can have a lot of benefits. The dog park will allow your dog to potentially play with other dogs and will allow them to sniff and explore a new location. A weekly trip to the dog park can help provide both physical and mental stimulation to your Goldendoodle.

Mental Exercise

Since Goldendoodles are intelligent, they also need mental exercise to keep their mind as well as their bodies fresh and in shape. Mental exercise can include things like seeing new places, interacting with other dogs, and playing with stimulating toys. A Goldendoodle that gets (boring) physical exercise without any mental stimulation can still act out and misbehave.

There are toys specifically designed to help dogs work out their brains that some dogs absolutely love playing with. You can also consider feeding your dog with a puzzle bowl to boost mental exercise during meals. Playing with your dog in the house can also count as some mental stimulation. If you do not provide adequate mental exercise for your Goldendoodle, they will often seek out stimulation on their own, which often leads them into trouble.

Signs Your Goldendoodle Is Not Getting Enough Exercise

If you are not sure whether your Goldendoodle is getting enough exercise, there are some telltale signs that you will be able to see. Since Goldendoodles are so energetic and intelligent, they will let you know when they are not getting enough stimulation.

Many times, behavioral issues stem from a lack of adequate exercise. People do not realize how much time 2 hours per day is. That is a lot of activity. If you do not give your Goldendoodle enough exercise, it will become unruly. Exercise can solve many minor behavioral issues that come from too much pent-up energy and a lack of mental stimulation.

Consider Doggy Daycare

If you think the exercise requirements for a Goldendoodle sound daunting, you are not alone. Exercising your dog multiple hours a day is not always in the cards for most people. The good news is that there is an entire business built around this quandary. Doggy daycare is designed specifically for dogs like Goldendoodles that need ample amounts of mental and physical stimulation and whose owners might not have the time to give them what they need. Doggy daycare will check all of the boxes for mental and physical stimulation, but it will cost some extra money. If you want to use doggy daycare, you will need to budget $20 to $50 per day.

Conclusion

Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise. For the best results, Goldendoodles need a combination of both physical and mental stimulation. Two hours per day is the recommendation for healthy and active Goldendoodles. A combination of walks, play, and new environments are necessary to keep Goldendoodles at their best. This will keep your Goldendoodle calm while inside and help them to listen and behave.

Featured Image Credit: Rena Schild, Shutterstock