Great Dane Exercise Guide: Do’s, Don’ts & How Much They Really Need

Great Danes are one of the most majestic and lovable giant dog breeds, but their exercise needs are far different from what most people expect. While their size might suggest they need hours of running each day, too much—or the wrong type—of activity can actually harm them, especially when they are young.

This guide covers how much exercise a Great Dane needs, the best types of activities for Great Danes, and the exercise mistakes to avoid to keep your gentle giant healthy and happy.

How Much Exercise Does a Great Dane Puppy Need?

When Great Danes are puppies, their bones, joints, and growth plates are still developing. Because they grow so rapidly, their skeletons are under constant strain, making them especially vulnerable to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint problems.

Too much exercise at this stage can cause permanent damage.

Do:

• Limit walks to short, controlled sessions.

• Focus on mental stimulation with puzzle toys or light training.

• Play on soft surfaces such as grass.

• Allow plenty of naps and downtime between play sessions.

Don’t:

• Take them jogging or on long hikes.

• Encourage jumping (on furniture, off decks, or catching frisbees).

• Play rough on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete.

• Push for extended walks—five minutes per month of age, twice a day is a safe rule of thumb.

Safe Exercise for Great Dane Adults

Once your Great Dane reaches 18–24 months and their growth plates have closed, you can introduce longer walks and more active play. Even as adults, however, Great Danes are not high-endurance dogs. Their large size puts more strain on their joints, so moderation is still key.

Do:

• Take moderate-length walks (20–40 minutes) once or twice daily.

• Let them play off-leash in a secure, fenced area.

• Try swimming—an excellent low-impact activity for joint health.

• Use a mix of physical and mental exercise (training, scent games, hide-and-seek).

Don’t:

• Over-exercise in hot weather—they overheat easily.

• Push for high-impact running or marathon sessions.

• Exercise right after eating—wait at least one hour before and after meals to prevent bloat.

Why Great Danes Need Less Exercise Than You Think

Unlike high-energy working breeds, Great Danes were historically bred for short bursts of activity, not all-day stamina. While regular movement is important for weight management and muscle tone, over-exercising can lead to:

• Joint injuries (torn ligaments, arthritis)

• Bloat (gastric torsion), which is life-threatening

• Chronic lameness from overuse

Remember: quality of exercise is more important than quantity for this breed.

Do’s of Exercising a Great Dane

1. Warm Up Before Activity – Start with a slow walk before faster play.

2. Choose Joint-Friendly Surfaces – Grass, dirt, or padded indoor flooring are better than concrete.

3. Incorporate Brain Games – Puzzle feeders, obedience training, and scent work keep them mentally sharp.

4. Time Activities Wisely – Avoid feeding before or after intense play.

5. Adjust for Weather – Exercise in the early morning or evening during hot months.

Don’ts of Exercising a Great Dane

1. Don’t Exercise Puppies Like Adults – Avoid running, rough play, or long walks until growth plates close.

2. Don’t Encourage High-Impact Sports – Jumping can cause serious joint damage.

3. Don’t Skip Rest Days – Muscles and joints need recovery time.

4. Don’t Let Them Get Overweight – Weight adds strain to already-stressed joints.

5. Don’t Assume More Is Better – Great Danes thrive on balanced, moderate exercise.

Sample Weekly Exercise Plan for a Great Dane

Monday – 30-minute walk + 15 minutes of light fetch
Tuesday – 20-minute walk + scent game indoors
Wednesday – Rest day or 10-minute gentle stroll
Thursday – Swimming or 25-minute walk
Friday – 30-minute walk + puzzle feeder
Saturday – 20 minutes of off-leash play in fenced yard
Sunday – Rest day

This routine keeps your Great Dane fit without overworking them.

Signs Your Great Dane Has Had Enough Exercise

Always watch for these warning signs of overexertion:

• Limping or stiffness after activity

• Slowing down or lagging behind on walks

• Lying down mid-play

• Heavy, prolonged panting

• Reluctance to get up

If these occur, stop activity immediately and allow rest. Persistent symptoms warrant a vet visit.

Final Thoughts: Exercising Great Danes the Right Way

Exercising a Great Dane is about balance—not too much, not too little. Puppies need gentle, low-impact activity to protect their joints, while adults thrive on moderate exercise that keeps them fit without over-stressing their bodies.

By following these Great Dane exercise do’s and don’ts, you’ll help your gentle giant live a longer, healthier life—full of tail wags, zoomies, and those famous couch-cuddling sessions.