How Often Do You Walk Your Dog? Basic Rules Of Dog Exercise

Quick Summary

• Experts recommend walking your dog 10 to 15 minutes per day to maintain good physical health.
• Depending on your dog’s health condition, breed, age, and the advise of your vet, the amount of time you should spend walking your dog outdoors may be adjusted.
• If for some reason you cannot walk your dog, hire a professional walker or give him some physical activities at home for the same amount of time.

The question, “how often should you walk your dog” is a tough one to answer. Generally, 10 to 15 minutes is the amount of time recommended to walk a dog.

Like my own dogs, I’m sure many canines enjoy frequent walks; but some are content to sit on your lap and enjoy a relaxing day after a relaxing day. So in reality, the general rule still depends on your dog’s breed, age, preference, and health conditions he might have. I’ll talk about these factors further below.

Think About Your Dog’s Needs

Your pet’s exercise can be based on the dog breed you have welcomed into your home. Some dog breeds are known to need more exercise than others. When you consider your dog’s exercise needs, you should think about whether they are part of a working breed. Australian Shepherds and Collie’s require more walking than Yorkshire Terriers. Working breeds require daily exercise and to be entertained by new environments regularly. 

In contrast, you can choose a lapdog for your family and find they need a lot of exercise. Most dogs bred to be lapdogs are happy to take potty breaks before returning to your lap. Individuals are exceptions to the rule, with some lapdogs needing plenty of dog walks to remain happy and healthy.

As your dog ages, you will need to adapt how you walk your dog. Your active working dog will slow down as she becomes a senior dog, meaning you need to think about how far you walk your dog. Active adult dogs enjoy hiking through the countryside and city parks, but older dogs will not have the stamina and strength to continue walking for hours on end with you. I suggest dividing your time into short walks.

Different Dog Breeds

If you are thinking about adding a dog to your family, you should think about the breed you are considering. You need to master how leash train a dog, especially high-energy dog breeds to stop them from getting lost. Using the best dog leashes will give you confidence in this task. It’s also important to start the training in a protected space like your yard enclosed with a wireless dog fence. The high-energy breeds that need long, frequent walks regularly include Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds [1]. Low energy breeds will enjoy a long walk include bulldogs and Newfoundlands. 

The Mental Health Benefits of Walking Your Dog

One of the biggest problems a pet parent finds when they bring a dog into their home is their destructive nature. Most dogs are not destructive by nature and want to explore the world. A lot of the problems with destroying items around your home could be down to a lack of exercise and stimulation, according to The Animal Foundation [2]. 

We consider the physical health of our dogs and not the mental wellbeing of your pet. Most dogs need plenty of stimulation to remain mentally healthy, meaning you need to walk them each day. Dog walking stimulates your pet’s mental health by allowing them to explore the world. Caring for your dog’s mental health is just as important as caring for their physical wellbeing.

The Physical Benefits of Dog Walking

Walking your dog offers plenty of health benefits. Most dogs who regularly go outdoors are happy and healthy throughout their lives. Those dogs that do not enjoy a regular walk will be prone to several physical health problems, including obesity—walking is a great way to help your obese dog get in shape! From a young age, your puppy will feel healthier and happier when they enjoy regular walks. Younger dogs enjoy walking and will look for regular exercise every time you head out up until their adulthood. 

Obesity is one of the physical health problems your dog faces if you do not regularly walk them. Most dogs need regular exercise to remain healthy throughout their lives, including low-energy dog breeds. Among the health problems your dog faces without regular walks are cardiovascular conditions. The heart health of pets is improved when you take your dog for long walks, and your own too! 

Along with an increase in heart health, you will give your dog the best chance of enjoying a long and happy life by walking them regularly. Did you know that a dog’s liver can be damaged by not walking regularly. If your dog is not given the correct amount of exercise, liver and blood sugar problems become the norm.

Another common problems dog walkers rarely see in their pets is osteoarthritis at an early age. Your dog will have more of a chance of remaining fit and active long into old age when you walk them for 30 minutes each day. Osteoarthritis is a painful medical condition that causes problems with walking for senior dogs. 

Are You Fit Enough to Walk Your Dog?

When discussing the health benefits of dog walking, the focus usually falls on your pet. However, it is important to consider your own fitness and health as well when adding a dog to your family. Remember that you will get just as many benefits from dog walking as your pet, including an improvement in cardiovascular health. Becoming healthy and active is the first step to improving your physical health and losing any excess weight. Combining regular walking with a healthy diet will help you avoid obesity by maintaining a lower weight. 

The health benefits of dog walking are obtained far beyond the realms of your physical health. Mental health issues have become a factor in most people’s lives recently. If you are hoping to avoid the problem of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, dog walking could be your savior. 

The simple act of taking your dog out of the house into the open air will help relieve the stresses of everyday life. Spending time in nature has been known as a positive way of dealing with your mental health issues for decades. Studies have shown the simple act of watching fish swim in an aquarium reduces stress and fear, meaning spending time with your dog will help you improve your mental health. 

Another great thing about dog ownership is that it can give you the feeling of being closer to your local community. Modern life can feel isolating as we spend more time using mobile phones and working from home. Dog walking helps you to feel connected to your neighborhood. Spending time at a local dog park or walking trails will bring you into contact with other dog walkers with whom you will interact. 

How Long Should You Walk For?

This question is one you will need to consider for yourself and your pup. High-energy dog breeds in excellent condition will be able to walk for at least 30 minutes at a time. Some dog breeds cared for excellently will be able to walk for hours or spend days on end through hiking trails. 

The ability to walk for prolonged periods is one that you will enjoy with your dog for years. Keeping your dog active and healthy will allow them to walk for 30 minutes or more at a time. It’s also possible to start a workout with your dog! The biggest challenge you will face is if you have an obese dog that is not feeling healthy. The benefits of dog walking for unhealthy dogs are easy to see. However, you will need to remain patient with your dog as she returns to full fitness. An unhealthy dog will struggle to walk for ten minutes without needing to take a break. If you are concerned about the health of your dog, you need to talk with a veterinarian to discuss how to improve their health safely.

The Best Time of Day to Walk Your Dog

Most dogs thrive on the routine of walking at the same time each day. Once you start to settle into a routine, your dog will be prepared to walk at the same time of the day or night. Dog walkers have their theories about when you should walk your dog. The truth is, this is a personal preference. 

In general, you will have a period each day when you are available for 30 minutes or more. Some dog owners like to walk their dogs before feeding time to help them work up an appetite. Others choose to walk them after eating to encourage them to poop during their walk. 

There is no definitive time of the day or night that is best for the health of your dog. Instead, you should try to settle into a routine allowing you to give your dog exercise each day. Dog walking is a different task from taking potty breaks. Using the bathroom is a function, with walking needed to allow your dog to enjoy a happy and active lifestyle.

FAQs

Is it OK not to walk your dog everyday?

Most experts would agree that a daily walk is ideal for dogs. However, this is not strictly necessary as long as you give your dog attention and other physical activities.

How many walks a day does a dog need?

Dogs typically need 1 to 2 walks a day, but this is not a strict number as you can always replace it with other physical activities. The number of walks per day also depends on a dog’s health condition, breed, and age.

How often should an indoor dog be walked?

Even indoor dogs need 10 to 15 minutes per day. Again, you can always replace this with other physical activities. Furthermore, take note of any health concerns before deciding to go on long walks with your dog.

How often should you walk your dog if you have a backyard?

Even if you have a backyard, your dog should still be walked, or at least given other types of physical activities, for about 10 to 15 minutes per day.