--- title: How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need Away? | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-exercise-does-a-dog-need/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - How much exercise does a dog need on a trip away? # How much exercise does a dog need on a trip away? There is no single number, because the right amount depends on a dog's age, breed, weight and health, but regular walks plus time to move around freely each day suit most healthy adult dogs. At Happy Paws Kennels walks are included in the nightly rate, and each dog also has an indoor/outdoor run it can use at will. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Owners often ask whether a dog gets enough movement while they are gone. The honest answer starts with what veterinary groups say about exercise in general, then looks at how a boarding day compares with a normal day at home. ## What the veterinary guidance says The American Veterinary Medical Association advises starting any walking program with your veterinarian, beginning with short, frequent walks and building gradually to one or more 15-minute periods of brisk walking, with time to cool down afterward. It also tells owners to allow sniff breaks, because a walk is mental exercise as well as physical. Cornell University's veterinary college gives a practical rule for adding exercise: lengthen the daily walk by about 10 percent per week, and stop if the dog shows trouble breathing or clearly wants to slow down. The American Animal Hospital Association lists regular walks, playtime and interactive games among the ways to burn off energy and keep a dog settled. ## Heat changes the plan in the Central Valley The AVMA notes that a dog's tolerance of heat varies with size, body condition, coat and health, and that short-nosed and overweight dogs have a harder time. It suggests timing walks away from the hottest part of the day, and walking on grass when pavement is hot. The nearest NOAA station to Dixon, in Vacaville, averages a July high of about 97 degrees, with roughly 10 days at 100 or above that month (1991 to 2020 normals). That is why a good boarding day is not simply "more exercise." It is movement spread across the day, with a cool place to rest in between. ## What a day at Happy Paws adds Walks are included, with no add-on fee. Every dog has an indoor/outdoor run with a doggie door, so it can walk out to the outside area or come back to the air-conditioned or heated room whenever it likes. The property also has large fenced play areas and a grass field. Owners often describe dogs coming home "happy and worn out," like a child back from summer camp. Expect a long nap on the first evening. If you would like extra pictures of your dog at play, the 2026 rate sheet lists an additional picture play session at $14.99 per kennel; see [picture play sessions](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/picture-play-sessions/). ## Tell the kennel your dog's normal routine The boarding agreement asks for each pet's activity level, feeding times and any health conditions, so write down what a typical day looks like for your dog. A dog used to two long walks does not need to be treated like a dog used to a backyard. A senior dog or a dog with sore joints may need gentler days. Say so, and staff can plan around it. If your dog has a lot of energy, read about [boarding high-energy dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/high-energy-dogs/). If your dog is older, see [senior dog boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/senior-dog-boarding/). ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA: Walking with your dog](https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet) - [Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Obesity and weight management tips](https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/obesity-and-weight-management-tips) - [AAHA: Separation Anxiety in Pets](https://www.aaha.org/resources/dont-go-separation-anxiety-in-pets/) - [NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/normals-monthly/1991-2020/access/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Boarding high-energy dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/high-energy-dogs/) - [Boarding a senior dog](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/senior-dog-boarding/) - [How hot is too hot for dogs? Dixon summer numbers](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-hot-is-too-hot-for-dogs/) - [Picture play & bubble play sessions](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/picture-play-sessions/) - [Enrichment ideas from our kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/) ## Price your stay Drop-off Pick-up Pick-up time By 11:30 AM Afternoon Dogs Cats Kennel class for your dogs Options My dogs share one kennel My cats share one condo Active military family Your estimate Pick your dates to see an estimate from the 2026 rate sheet. [Request these dates](#book-form)[Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call](tel:+17076786600) Estimate from our 2026 rates (effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026). Your final total is confirmed at check-in. Military and 14+ night rates are the same reduced 1-dog rate; the estimator uses one, never both. [See the full rate sheet](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/). ## Read next - [Can dogs get sunburned in Dixon summers?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/can-dogs-get-sunburned/) - [Boarding or day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-vs-day-care/) - [Use a day of day care as a trial run before a long trip](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/use-day-care-as-a-trial-run/) - [Why quick goodbyes at drop-off help](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/quick-goodbyes-at-drop-off/) - [Choosing a toy for a boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-toy-for-a-boarding-stay/) - [How to read your dog's vaccine certificate before you upload it](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-a-vaccine-certificate/) - [Kennel cough vs canine flu](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/kennel-cough-vs-canine-flu/) - [Indoor cats and boarding vaccines](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/indoor-cats-and-boarding-vaccines/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Are walks an extra charge at Happy Paws? No. Walks are included in the nightly rate on the 2026 rate sheet. ### Will my dog be more tired than usual after boarding? Often, yes. A change of place and more activity than a normal day can mean a long sleep when your dog gets home. ### Is it safe to exercise a dog in Dixon summer heat? Choose the cooler hours, offer water and rest, and watch for heavy panting. The AVMA lists heavy panting, drooling and weakness as signs of heat stress. ### What if my dog is a senior or has sore joints? Write it on the boarding agreement, which asks about activity level and health conditions, so staff can plan gentler days.