Just like a puppy needs a TON of exercise, so does a dog that's a young adult. Depending on your breed he may need a little or lot of exercise as he continues to age. Hiking, running, and playing with him are all great ways to keep him active. You'll learn as you go but always help him get the exercise he needs no matter what age he is.

Dogs need exercise. It doesn’t matter how young or how old they are: Your dog needs to get out there and move.
That said, the kind of exercise you give your dog will depend on his age and condition.

Puppies
Puppies are bundles of energy, and if they don’t get enough exercise, they can get pretty wild. That’s why giving your puppy plenty of playtime is a must if you want him to ever settle down.

Here are some energy busters for puppies:

• Toys. Find toys that your puppy likes to run after, and throw them until your arm is sore.
• Play dates. Recruit another puppy as a playmate.
• Well-timed romps. Give your puppy lots of chances to tear around the yard with a case of the zoomies (especially before bedtime), training sessions, and rides in the car.

Almost grown
Young adult dogs are pretty close to puppies when it comes to being full of energy. What makes it harder is that they are a lot bigger than young puppies, so their crazy get-up-and-go can be tougher to take when you are trying to settle down in front of the TV, eat dinner, or go to sleep.

Only encourage your young dog to exercise as much as he would if he were playing with another dog.

Here are some energy busters for young adults:

• Running.
• Fetch.
• Dog parks. This not only helps burn energy, it also gives him a chance to visit with his own kind.
• Swimming. It’s a good way to burn energy without stressing growing joints.

When dogs become adults, they usually don’t need as much exercise as younger dogs. That said, it really depends on the dog.

Some adult dogs need exercise to stay calm, but others are big couch potatoes who really don’t care. But all dogs need exercise.

Here are some energy busters for active adult dogs:

• Walks. Getting your dog out on a walk is great way to burn some of his excess energy. Walks are not only good for canine bodies but also for canine brains.
• Hikes. It’s hard to find a dog who doesn’t like to go on a hike. So many new sights and smells!
• Jogging. Some dogs are made for jogging. If you have a healthy adult dog who likes to run, give it a try. Just remember to start off slowly and let him build up his stamina.
• Competitive sports. Not only will your dog get plenty of exercise, but you’ll have fun and meet new friends!

And some energy boosters for those couch potatoes:

• Again, walks.
• Fetch.
• Play dates. Find your slow mover a playmate who will bring out the best in him.

Before you start getting your poky pooch to exercise, make sure he’s in good health.

Remember too that conditioning should be slowly ramped up over time so your dog doesn’t injure himself.

Senior dogs: Old but not out

Senior dogs are a whole other story. It’s rare to find an old dog who needs a lot of exercise.

While you should never force an old dog to exercise, it’s good to encourage him. Give him lots of breaks and plenty of time to rest in between. Once you know he’s ready for some action, here are some energy boosters for your senior:

• Walks.
• Jogging. If your dog seems like he can handle shorter walks on level ground, you can try adding more speed.
• Play dates. If your older buddy likes other dogs, and you have a friend with another dog around his same age, set up a play date for the two of them.

Whatever you do with your dog for exercise, remember it’s supposed to be fun — for both of you! Have a good time and keep building that bond.

Having an older doggy requires the same amount of work, so just because he's getting older doesn't mean he shouldn't get exercise. Of course, it's important to gauge what he's ready for, but if he's still fit and healthy he should get a green light from his vet to go on short walks and other more. Dogster has more on this too.

All pups need exercise to stimulate their minds and be wonderful pets, so think of ways you can exercise together and enjoy it! The more your pet is active the more likely he'll live a long and healthy life. And that's what you both want, right?!