Whether you have a high-energy Husky, a fluffy Samoyed, or a lively Pomeranian, one of the most common questions the team at Spitz Groom hears from clients is: When is the best time to exercise my dog? Getting the timing right isn't just about convenience, it directly affects your dog's health, behaviour, coat condition, and overall wellbeing.
At Spitz Groom, our Carlton North salon caters for all breeds, however our speciality lies in double-coated and long-coated breeds, and we see firsthand how exercise habits impact coat health, stress levels, and grooming outcomes. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Exercise Timing Matters for Your Dog
Regular exercise is essential for every dog, but when you exercise your dog can be just as important as how much you exercise them. The right timing helps reduce overheating and heat-related illness, improves behaviour and reduces anxiety, supports healthy coat condition, especially for double-coated breeds, and strengthens the bond between dog and owner. It also aids digestion and supports a healthy weight.
The Spitz Groom team regularly advises our 4-legged customers and their human companions on how to build routines that support both the dog's physical health and their coat care, because the two are more connected than most people realise.
Best Times to Exercise Your Dog
Morning Exercise (6am-9am)
Morning walks are widely considered the best time to exercise your dog, particularly in warmer months. Cooler temperatures reduce the risk of heatstroke, streets are calmer with less traffic and fewer distractions, and a positive start to the day reduces anxiety and destructive behaviour. This is especially beneficial for double-coated breeds like Samoyeds, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers who are prone to overheating (and as young dogs can be playfully destructive 😂).
Spitz Groom tip: Dogs that arrive at our salon after a calm morning walk are noticeably more relaxed and easier to groom. A settled dog makes for a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone, including your groomer.
Evening Exercise (5pm - 7pm)
Evening walks are a popular choice for working dog owners. Temperatures drop after the heat of the day, always check the pavement temperature first, and an evening walk is a great way to wind dogs down before bedtime while supporting a regular sleep routine.
Spitz Groom Pavement test: Place the back of your hand on the footpath for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. This is something the Spitz Groom team always reminds our customers to do during Melbourne's warmer months.
Exercise - When to Avoid It
In Australian summers, midday exercise (10am - 3pm) should generally be avoided, especially for double-coated and long-coated breeds, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with existing health conditions.
Heat stress can develop rapidly and become life-threatening. At Spitz Groom, we always prioritise your dog's safety, and we encourage our clients to do the same at home.
Exercise Tips for Double-Coated Breeds
If you own a Spitz-family dog, a Samoyed, Japanese Spitz, Pomeranian, Keeshond, or similar, coat care and exercise timing go hand in hand. This is an area the Spitz Groom team is deeply passionate about.
Never shave a double coat to "keep them cool", the double coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold, and this is one of the most common misconceptions we address at Spitz Groom. Always exercise during the coolest parts of the day, and after walks, allow your dog to fully dry before brushing to prevent matting. Regular professional grooming at Spitz Groom supports airflow through the coat and reduces heat retention.
Our grooming sessions are low-volume and breed-specific, we take the time to properly prepare and maintain double coats so your dog stays comfortable year-round.
How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?
Exercise needs vary significantly by breed, age, and health. High-energy breeds such as Huskies and Border Collies generally need 1.5-2 hours of daily activity, while medium-energy breeds like Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians do well with 45-90 minutes. Lower-energy or senior dogs typically benefit from 20-45 minutes of gentle activity each day.
At Spitz Groom, we work with dogs across all life stages, from energetic young Spitz pups to senior dogs with mobility considerations. We're always happy to share breed-specific advice during your appointment. Always consult your vet if your dog has musculoskeletal conditions such as luxating patella, hip dysplasia, or arthritis, we can refer you to trusted Melbourne specialists if needed.
Signs Your Has Been Over-Exercised
Watch for excessive panting or difficulty breathing, limping or reluctance to move, lethargy or unusual tiredness, vomiting or loss of appetite, and swollen or sore paw pads after exercise. If you notice any of these signs, rest your dog, offer fresh water, and contact your veterinarian. The Spitz Groom team has advanced training in anatomy and physiology and can help identify when a referral to a specialist is appropriate.
How Spitz Groom Supports Your Dog's Whole Wellbeing
At Spitz Groom, we believe grooming is just one piece of a bigger picture. A well-exercised, well nourished, and well-groomed dog is a happy dog, and supporting that is at the heart of everything we do.
Our Carlton North salon offers breed-specific, low-stress grooming for double-coated and long-coated breeds, desensitisation programs for anxious or nervous dogs, owner education on home coat maintenance, brushing techniques, and tool selection, as well as a curated retail range of premium grooming tools and coat care products.
We proudly stock the Inoom premium vegan certified grooming range, as used in our salon and available to purchase. Explore the range here
Whether your dog is a regular on the morning walk circuit or just starting to build an exercise routine, the Spitz Groom team is here to support you every step of the way. Ready to book? For existing customers - make a booking here - for all new customers, please complete the Spitz Groom Intake Form here, and a member of the team will contact you usually within 72 business hours upon receipt of the complete form.
If you have any exercise tips. walking trails, or interested in learning more, get in touch with the Spitz Groom team, we'd love to hear from you.