Stop picking pets based on photos. If your Tuesday schedule is packed, a high-energy breed will break your home.
You think you'll hike 5 miles (8 km) every Saturday. But your dog needs that energy every single day. Don't build a life on an aspiration.
Subtract sleep, work, and chores. What's left? If you can't find two 45-minute blocks daily, a high-energy pet isn't the move.
Drive is the motor. A high-drive dog doesn't just need a run; they need a mission. Without a job, they'll make one—like eating your couch.
Don't guess. Record your actual movement for two weeks. Your average day is the real limit for your future pet.
20 minutes of intense sniffing is more tiring for a dog than a 1-hour run. Mental work drains the battery faster than physical work.
High-drive breeds can demand 21 hours of direct engagement per week. If your audit shows a deficit, you have to trade something else.
Destructive chewing, 'zoomies' at midnight, and leash reactivity are screams for stimulation. It’s not 'bad behavior'; it’s a mismatch.
Can't do the morning walk? Hire a professional. Dog walkers and daycare aren't luxuries; they're essential tools for busy owners.
A 'lazy' Greyhound still needs a sprint. A 'chilled' Bulldog might have medical limits. Look at the individual, not the Wikipedia page.
Consult a vet before pushing exercise. Puppies have growing joints; seniors have hidden aches. Don't fix a behavior issue with a physical one.
Matching a pet isn't about finding a soulmate; it's about finding a roommate who shares your schedule. Choose the life you actually live, not the one you wish for.
Download our printable audit sheet and see the exact high-drive vs. low-energy breakdown for 50+ breeds.