Golden Retrievers are a favourite family dog – they tend to be well-mannered, gentle, and great with kids. But did you know these pups were originally bred as working dogs? 

Because of their working ancestry, these dogs have got plenty of energy, so they need lots of high-quality exercise to keep them healthy and happy.  In fact, it’s especially important for this breed, as they are particularly prone to obesity thanks to their voracious appetites.

How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need?

The amount of exercise your Golden Retriever needs depends on its age, weight, and general health – there’s no one size fits all when it comes to these pooches.

You can download the free PitPat app and get a tailored exercise goal to find out exactly how much exercise your dog needs. It considers your dog’s breed and age, and you can adjust it based on veterinary advice.

That said, most healthy adult Golden Retrievers need at least 90 minutes of high-quality exercise daily. 

It can be hard to keep track of exactly how much your dog is doing – especially if there are lots of family members walking the dog, or they spend a lot of time playing. PitPat is the solution – this nifty little device pops onto your dog’s collar and tracks their daily activity against their goal – so you know when they need that extra walk. Even better, multiple family members can access your dog’s profile, plus it’s waterproof and robust enough to accompany your dog on all their adventures (yes, even diving into the sea!)

How much exercise does a Golden Retriever puppy need?

Golden Retriever puppies don’t need as much exercise as adults. As a large breed, they are at risk of joint problems that can be exacerbated by overexercising them while growing, so it’s important you try to limit their daily activity.

The most effective way to monitor your puppy’s activity levels is to use a PitPat. We’ll set a safe exercise goal that increases as they age. All you need to do is pop a PitPat Dog Activity Monitor or a PitPat Dog GPS Tracker on their collar and fetch their data every day to see how they’re doing against their goals. 

How much exercise does a senior Golden Retriever need?

Golden Retrievers may start to feel their age from around eight years. Their energy levels naturally drop as they age, and they may experience aches, pains, and joint issues. Even so, it’s still good to get them out for regular walkies, although they might be a bit shorter or slower than they were in the past.

PitPat can help here too because as your dog gets older we’ll automatically reduce their activity goal, so you know when they’ve had the right amount. Using a PitPat is also a really effective tool to quickly notice changes in your dog’s activity levels and weight that could be symptomatic of a wider health issue.

What types of exercise are best for Golden Retrievers?

Golden Retrievers are active dogs who thrive in all sorts of canine sports. Agility is a favourite that keeps their brains working as hard as their bodies, or canicross is pawfect for those dogs who just want to run! 

Goldens are also favourite options for assistance dogs, so why not try out obedience with your dog?

Whether your Golden Retriever is a city strutter or a forest rambler, PitPat can help ensure they get the right amount of exercise. Walk your Golden Retriever with off-lead confidence using our PitPat Dog GPS Tracker, only £149, with no subscription to find your dog.

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