Dog owners know that keeping their pets active is essential for health and happiness. But is taking daily walks or playing fetch in the backyard enough, or could a structured program like the AKC Fit Dog initiative add extra benefits?
Regular Exercise for Dogs: Why It Matters
Regular physical activity is vital for dogs of all breeds and ages. “Regular exercise” can include daily walks, jogs, play sessions in the yard, games of fetch, obedience training, swimming, or any activity that gets your dog moving. Here are some key reasons why a consistent exercise routine is so important for dogs:
- Physical Health: Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, builds muscle tone, and supports cardiovascular health. Active dogs are less likely to become obese, and staying fit can even prolong a dog’s life by reducing health risks.
- Mental Stimulation: Physical activity isn’t just about the body—it engages a dog’s mind. A tired dog who’s had a good workout is usually a happy dog. Exercise provides mental enrichment by exposing dogs to new environments and smells, which can reduce boredom and destructive behaviors.
- Behavior and Mood: Adequate exercise can significantly improve a dog’s behavior. Dogs that get regular outings tend to have fewer behavioral issues stemming from pent-up energy or anxiety. You might notice your pup is calmer and more relaxed after a nice long walk or vigorous play session.
- Bonding: Taking time each day to exercise your dog strengthens the bond between you. Whether it’s a morning walk around the block or a game of frisbee, these activities provide one-on-one time that deepens your mutual trust and understanding. It’s a chance to build confidence and socialization for your dog, too, by encountering new sights, sounds, and other people or dogs in a controlled way.
Most veterinarians recommend that adult dogs get at least some exercise every day. The exact amount depends on your dog’s age, breed, and health. A young, high-energy breed (like a Border Collie) may need a couple of hours of activity daily, while a senior dog might do best with shorter, gentle walks. A commonly cited guideline for humans — 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week — can be a useful target for dogs as well. Even a moderate-paced daily walk can accumulate to that 150-minute mark, bringing substantial health benefits. What matters most is consistency: making exercise a regular part of your dog’s routine.
Overview of the AKC Fit Dog Program
If regular exercise is so straightforward, what exactly is the AKC Fit Dog program, and what makes it special? The American Kennel Club (AKC) launched the Fit Dog program in September 2018 as a way to encourage dog owners to walk their dogs and stay active. Initially, the program’s hallmark was a fun incentive: owners who met a specific fitness goal with their dogs could receive a free AKC Fit Dog car magnet to proudly display. This magnet, emblazoned with the Fit Dog logo, signals that you are committed to your dog’s health through regular exercise.
What do you have to do to earn the magnet? The AKC Fit Dog program set achievable walking goals aligned with public health recommendations. Owners could choose one of two options to qualify:
- Standard Track: Walk your dog at least 30 minutes, 5 days per week (totaling 150+ minutes weekly) for a minimum of 3 months. This matches the 150 minutes/week goal and is ideal for dogs and people in normal shape.
- Senior/Modified Track: Walk your dog 15 minutes per session, 10 times per week (for example, two 15-minute walks a day) for at least 3 months. This alternative is designed for senior dogs or owners who benefit from shorter, more frequent walks rather than longer sessions.
By hitting one of these goals, you demonstrate a sustained commitment to fitness. The AKC doesn’t require any competition or event participation for this part – it’s done on your own schedule. You simply keep a record or log of your walks (AKC even provides an optional form to help track progress). Once you’ve completed three months of regular walks, you submit a simple form to AKC to request your free Fit Dog magnet. It’s essentially an honor system, but dog owners take pride in earning that magnet as a badge of their dedication.
AKC Fit Dog Clubs: The program quickly grew beyond just individual walking goals. AKC recognized that many people enjoy exercising in groups, so they introduced Fit Dog Clubs. These are local clubs, often organized by AKC-affiliated dog clubs or training schools, that host group fitness walks or canine fitness classes for members of the community. To be recognized as an official AKC Fit Dog Club, a group needs to organize at least four group dog walks per year or hold regular canine fitness/conditioning classes. The AKC provides Fit Dog Clubs with a free banner and promotional materials as encouragement. By 2025 there were around 350+ AKC Fit Dog clubs across the country bringing dog owners together for group walks and activities. This club aspect adds a social component to the fitness routine – owners can meet like-minded dog lovers, and dogs get the benefit of socializing while exercising.
AKC Fit Dog Titles and Checklists
One of the biggest additions to the Fit Dog program came in 2023, when the AKC introduced AKC Fit Dog titles as a new way to recognize sustained fitness activities. Unlike the Fit Dog magnet (which is a one-time reward for meeting a walking goal), Fit Dog titles are official AKC titles that can be added to your dog’s name (much like titles for sports or obedience). There are three levels of AKC Fit Dog titles:
- AKC Fit Dog Bronze (FITB) – the novice level
- AKC Fit Dog Silver (FITS) – intermediate
- AKC Fit Dog Gold (FITG) – advanced
Each title level requires completing a certain number of activity points: Bronze needs 5 points, Silver 10 points, and Gold 20 points. Points are earned by participating in various fitness activities with your dog, and the program is very flexible in what activities count. In fact, the AKC Fit Dog title program is designed to provide a structured, individualized fitness plan for you and your dog, allowing you to choose activities that suit your dog’s abilities and your interests.
To earn points toward a Fit Dog title, you can mix and match activities from six categories:
- AKC Fit Dog Courses: Completing an official Fit Dog course or class (these may be offered by trainers or clubs to teach canine fitness exercises).
- Community Runs/Walks: Participating in organized events such as 5Ks, “Turkey Trot” or “Spring Scurry” fun runs/walks hosted or recognized by AKC. These seasonal events are a fun way to log miles with your pup.
- Walks and Hikes: Logging independent walks or group hikes with your dog. This is the bread-and-butter of dog fitness – every walk counts! Both solo strolls and club-organized group hikes fall here.
- “Unique to You and Your Dog” Activities: Any other fitness activity you enjoy together, like swimming, doggy paddleboarding, agility drills at home, canine parkour, or even dog yoga. This category encourages creativity – essentially, if it gets your dog moving, it can count.
- AKC Fitness-Related Sports Titles: Participation in other AKC sports that inherently involve exercise can count toward Fit Dog points. For example, FAST CAT (a 100-yard dash sprint for dogs), agility trials, or obedience and rally events all require conditioning and can be credited in the program. Earning titles or legs in these sports can translate into Fit Dog points.
- Parent Club Performance Events: Many AKC breed clubs offer performance titles that require endurance, such as pack hiking titles (where dogs carry a backpack on hikes), draft or carting titles, or sledding for Nordic breeds. These accomplishments also count toward Fit Dog points, recognizing breed-specific ways to stay fit.
To earn an AKC Fit Dog title, you and your dog must accumulate the required points across at least two of the above categories. In other words, you can’t get all your points from just one type of activity; the program encourages a well-rounded approach. For example, for the Bronze title (5 points minimum), you might do a couple of long hikes (2 points), attend a community 5K run (1 point), and take a canine fitness class (2 points) to total 5 points. The Silver and Gold levels would involve more activities over a longer period to reach 10 or 20 points, respectively.
The AKC provides a Fit Dog checklist for each level (Bronze, Silver, Gold) to help you track your progress. The AKC Fit Dog checklist is essentially a form where you record each activity you complete and its point value. For instance, you’d note the date of each walk or event, the category it falls under, and the points earned. These checklists act as both a planning tool (so you can decide which activities to pursue) and a verification tool when you submit for your title. Owners are encouraged to review the checklist and the Participant Guide (program rules) before starting, so they can choose a realistic level and understand what documentation might be needed. Once you’ve checked off enough activities to meet a title’s requirements, you fill out a title application and submit it along with your completed checklist and any required proofs (like event result printouts or signatures from an instructor) via the AKC’s online portal.
Earning a Fit Dog title is non-competitive – it’s not about beating other dogs, just about you and your dog achieving your personal fitness goals. When your application is approved, the title will be added to your dog’s official AKC record. Many owners love seeing a new suffix title (FITB, FITS, or FITG) after their dog’s name, as a formal recognition of their hard work. AKC may also issue a certificate, and in some cases medals or swag are offered for special events (for example, completing the annual Turkey Trot 5K might earn a finisher’s medal). The titles are a fun way to celebrate a healthy lifestyle with your pup.
Key Differences Between AKC Fit Dog and Regular Exercise
At their core, the AKC Fit Dog program and a normal exercise routine share the same foundation: keeping your dog active and healthy. However, the AKC Fit Dog program adds layers of organization and incentive on top of regular exercise. Here are the key differences and unique features, side by side:
- Structure and Goal-Setting: A regular exercise routine is self-directed – you decide day by day what to do with your dog. In contrast, the AKC Fit Dog program provides a structured plan with specific goals (e.g. 150 minutes of walking per week) and milestones to hit. This structure can be helpful if you thrive on clear targets. Instead of wondering if your dog is getting “enough” exercise, you have guidelines to follow. The Fit Dog checklists and defined criteria for titles act like a roadmap, giving your workouts purpose and variety. Regular exercise is flexible, but it might lack a long-term plan or progression unless the owner creates one.
- Motivation and Accountability: One big advantage of AKC Fit Dog is built-in motivation. The promise of earning a magnet or title can spur you to stick with the routine on days you might otherwise skip. Knowing that you’re working toward an achievement (and that you’ll submit a checklist or log) creates accountability.
- Tracking Progress: If you join the Fit Dog program, you’ll be tracking your activities in writing (or digitally) as you work toward your goal. This logging habit can be beneficial in itself: it helps you see your progress over weeks and months.
- Community and Social Aspect: Regular exercise can be social (you might walk with a friend or visit a dog park), but it typically doesn’t come with a built-in community. AKC Fit Dog offers an organized community through its clubs and events. Joining a Fit Dog Club means you have group walks on the calendar where you can meet other dog owners. This can make exercise more enjoyable for both you and your dog – dogs love the chance to walk with pals, and owners can swap tips and encouragement.
- Recognition and Rewards: Perhaps the most unique aspect of AKC Fit Dog is the recognition it provides. Successfully sticking to your exercise goals can earn your dog official titles (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and tangible rewards like magnets or certificates. It’s a formal pat on the back for doing the right thing.
- Variety of Activities: A normal exercise routine can be anything you make it, but many owners default to a couple of familiar activities (like walks around the block and some fetch in the yard). The Fit Dog program encourages variety by awarding points for a wide range of activities. You might be inspired to try new exercises to check off different categories on the list – maybe attend a doga (dog yoga) class, or try a beginner agility course, or go on a group hike somewhere new. This adds spice to the routine and can improve overall fitness (as different activities work on endurance, strength, balance, etc.).
In summary, regular exercise vs. the AKC Fit Dog program is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Regular exercise is the foundation – it’s free-form, adaptable, and essential no matter what. The AKC Fit Dog program builds on that foundation by adding goal-setting, a tracking system, and rewards that can enhance motivation and enjoyment for many people. It essentially turns exercising your dog into a fun challenge or fitness program you can follow. Now, let’s consider which approach might be best for you and how they can complement each other.
Which Approach is Right for You and Your Dog?
Every dog-owner pair is unique, so the choice between sticking to a regular exercise routine and joining the AKC Fit Dog program depends on your personal style, needs, and goals. In fact, you can absolutely do both – they complement each other perfectly. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Consider the AKC Fit Dog program if…
- You thrive on goals and recognition: If you love setting goals and achieving badges or certificates, the structured challenge of earning an AKC Fit Dog title could be very rewarding. It’s a great feeling to accomplish a fitness milestone and have AKC recognize your dog’s achievement.
- You need extra motivation or accountability: For those who sometimes struggle to stay consistent, having the Fit Dog checklist and a clear target (like “we need to walk five times this week”) can keep you on track. The program provides gentle pressure to not skip that walk, knowing you’re working toward a prize.
- You enjoy community and events: If the idea of group walks, virtual 5K challenges, or connecting with other dog owners appeals to you, Fit Dog will offer those opportunities. It’s perfect for social folks or anyone who wants to make exercise a more communal activity.
- Your dog could use more variety: Perhaps you’ve been looking for ways to spice up your dog’s routine. Participating in Fit Dog might encourage you to try new activities (like a swimming session or a hiking trail) that benefit your dog’s fitness and keep things interesting.
Regular exercise might be enough if…
- You’re already consistent and disciplined: If you have no trouble giving your dog plenty of exercise every day and you’re meeting their needs, you may not feel the need for a formal program. Many owners have a good routine down and their dogs are thriving, which is the ultimate goal.
- You prefer flexibility over structure: Not everyone likes to follow a program. You might enjoy taking each day as it comes – one day a long walk, another day some fetch, without worrying about logging or meeting specific criteria. A regular exercise regimen can be as flexible as you want.
- Time or paperwork is a concern: Participating in Fit Dog does require a bit of record-keeping and submitting forms for your magnet or title. It’s not very time-consuming, but some busy owners may prefer to skip any “administrative” aspects and just focus on play and exercise. Similarly, if your schedule is hectic, you might not want to commit to club meet-ups or events, and that’s okay.
- External rewards don’t appeal to you: If you don’t care about titles or magnets and you’re purely motivated by your dog’s well-being, then the extra layer of AKC recognition might feel unnecessary. Your dog certainly won’t mind not having a title – they just want to walk and play with you!
Combining both approaches: The good news is you don’t actually have to choose one or the other. The AKC Fit Dog program is essentially a way to enhance your regular exercise routine, not replace it. Even while following Fit Dog, you’re still doing the same kinds of activities (walks, runs, play, etc.) you would normally do – you’re just being more intentional and getting credit for them. You can start by maintaining your regular walks and simply log them toward the Fit Dog goals. Many owners find that after joining Fit Dog, they became more consistent with their once “casual” routine because now they had a reason not to skip days. On the flip side, if you ever decide to take a break from the Fit Dog program (say, after earning a title, you pause before maybe going for the next level), you’ll still have that habit of regular exercise to fall back on. In that sense, the two approaches complement each other perfectly: Fit Dog provides the game plan and incentives, while regular exercise provides the day-to-day practice that keeps your dog healthy.
One important note: Whether you do regular exercise alone or the Fit Dog program, always tailor activities to your dog’s age and physical condition. Consult your veterinarian if you’re starting a new exercise regimen, especially for dogs with health issues or those who have been mostly sedentary. The goal is to improve fitness safely and enjoyably. The AKC Fit Dog program is designed to be inclusive – even senior dogs can participate at a modified level – so with a bit of planning, nearly any dog can join in the fun.
