Keeping Your Energetic Pup Happy and Healthy
Poodles and Doodles are known for their intelligence, charm, and affectionate nature—but don’t let their good looks fool you. These breeds are also high-energy dogs that thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation.
Whether you have a Poodle or a Doodle of any size, knowing how much exercise your pup needs is essential to prevent boredom, destructive behaviors, and even health issues. Let's explore their activity needs by size, age, and lifestyle—and how to keep your curly-coated companion happily worn out.
Why Exercise Is So Important for These Breeds
Poodles were originally bred as working and hunting dogs, and many Doodles inherit that active, athletic energy—especially from parent breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or Aussies.
Exercise supports:
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Mental stimulation (prevents boredom and anxiety)
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Healthy joints and weight
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Better behavior and sleep
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Bonding between you and your dog
Without enough activity, a Doodle or Poodle may become restless, chew furniture, bark excessively, or show signs of stress. A tired dog is a happy dog!
Exercise Needs by Size
Standard Poodles and Doodles
These larger breeds are very active and usually require:
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60–90 minutes of daily exercise
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A mix of walking, running, fetch, or swimming
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Off-leash time in secure areas for mental enrichment
They love agility, scent work, or hiking. If you’re an active person, a Standard-sized Poodle or Doodle will make a great companion.
Mini and Medium Doodles
Though smaller, these dogs still have lots of energy! Plan for:
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45–60 minutes per day
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Several short walks and play sessions
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Puzzle toys, indoor games, or backyard time
They may tire out more quickly, but their energy still needs a healthy outlet.
Toy and Petite Doodles
Petite Doodles require less vigorous exercise but still benefit from:
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30–45 minutes of low-impact activity
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Walks, light fetch, or structured indoor play
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Mental stimulation through training or sniff games
Don't underestimate their spunk—they may be small, but they often have big personalities.
Mental Exercise Is Just as Important
Because Poodles and Doodles are highly intelligent, mental stimulation is non-negotiable. Without it, they get bored—and a bored dog is often a mischievous one.
Ideas to challenge their minds:
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Basic obedience and trick training
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Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys
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Hide-and-seek with toys or people
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Nose work or "find it" games
Even 15–20 minutes of brain work can be as tiring as a long walk.
Adjusting for Puppies and Seniors
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Puppies have lots of energy but fragile joints. Use the “5-minute rule”: 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, up to twice a day.
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Senior dogs may slow down, but they still need gentle walks and low-impact play to keep muscles strong and joints flexible.
Always watch for signs of overexertion and tailor activity to your dog’s age, health, and personality.
Poodles and Doodles are not couch potatoes—they’re bright, energetic, and playful. To keep them physically healthy and emotionally balanced, aim for at least 45–90 minutes of daily activity, depending on their size and age.
With the right balance of physical exercise and mental enrichment, your Doodle or Poodle will be calmer, more focused, and infinitely happier.
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