Most dogs can tolerate a daily 20–30-minute walk if they have a relatively good body condition. Dogs in great physical health can tolerate walks for up to two hours or go hiking for hours at a time.
A single walk in a day can be perfect for smaller dogs, but large, high-energy dog breeds may require more walks per day. If your dog belongs to any of these categories or you're a sporty person who enjoys outdoor activities with your dog but still unsure how much exercise your friend needs, we've got you covered.
The health benefits of dog walking to you and your dog
Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress. A regular walk is vitally important for your pet's health too.
While 45 minutes or more is ideal, a 30- minute walk is usually an achievable goal for most dog owners and will help to keep your dog fit and well balanced. For puppies, a walk that lasts 15 minutes is recommended until they are fully grown so that they do not damage their joints by doing long walks.
Most dogs can handle 5 km (3 miles) without extra training but need at least a month to get up to 20 km. Walks above 5 km should always be followed by a light rest day. If you go too far too quickly you could cause all sorts of muscle, tendon, ligament, joint or bone problems.
A rest day is free from any walks – no interaction with the outside world at all. It allows our dogs to relax and have calm experiences for a day. This, in turn, means no further cortisol is being produced, as well as allowing the already existent levels to deplete.
Most dogs need at least 1-2 walks per day (unless otherwise specified by your vet). A brisk walk is a great opportunity for your dog to burn off extra energy, and a slow, meandering walk – where you let your dog sniff and explore for as long as they want – is great for their mental health.
Aim for short walks of about five to 10 minutes, and take your puppy out for a walk three or more times day. Senior dogs can usually walk longer than young puppies, but many seniors need shorter walks than they did as young adults to prevent injuries to their joints and muscles.
It is recommended to walk your dog between 10 and 15 minutes, two to three times a week, according to PetMD. But if this is not feasible for your schedule, an alternative to a walk outside is 10 to 15 minutes of activity at home, according to PetMD.
Boredom Equals Bad Behavior
And dogs who aren't getting enough exercise become something worse than couch potatoes. “If you're not walking your dog enough or providing them with enough playtime, they can become anxious or destructive,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian at Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital.
Your dog slows down.
If you're walking or playing with your dog and he slows down—for example, he chases after a ball more slowly or lags behind you as you walk—it's a sign he's too tired and it's time to take a break or stop altogether, says Coates.
All dogs need at least one walk outside every day. But when it comes to more energetic breeds, you will need to walk them more frequently, and for longer periods of time. Younger dogs are more active than older companions, as age also plays a role in how often you need to walk your dog.
Get Some Sunshine: Sometimes we forget that dogs were originally wild animals who love nature and the outdoors. This is still rooted in your dog's instincts so his depression could be linked to a lack of outdoor activity. Try getting your dog to go on more walks or to play fetch with you in the yard.
DF: I have found that the best feeding and toilet pattern for dogs is going out for a morning walk or yard run and eating a light breakfast, and then taking a walk about noon to 2 p.m. Before an evening meal (between 5 and 6 p.m.), go on a long walk or run.
Taking your dog out in the morning before breakfast is a good habit to have, especially during the summer, as temperatures at that time are still mild and there being no need to worry about sunstroke. The morning walk should last half-an-hour to an hour and should be the longest of the day.
Most dogs can tolerate a daily 20–30-minute walk if they have a relatively good body condition. Dogs in great physical health can tolerate walks for up to two hours or go hiking for hours at a time.
No dog of any age should be made to wait longer than 8 hours! Different breeds have different social needs: hounds are extremely social, but some “working” breeds and guard dogs are fine for 10-12 hours.
Although activity levels range from dog to dog, you can over-exercise your dog. Like humans, over-exercising can lead to decreased activity levels, energy, and overall harm than good.
Sporting and Herding Dogs
Bred for jobs that require endurance, these groups have the greatest need for a daily workout. They include Retrievers, Spaniels, Collies, Pointers and German Shepherds. Include training along with exercise and vary routines to keep the attention of these robust dogs.
Yes. Like humans, dogs need the mental stimulation that new sights and experiences bring. Repeating the same walking routine tends to get boring after a while, and as a dog walker, you probably feel the same way.
Niki is launching her first Don't Walk Your Dog Day on Saturday, April 2, to raise awareness that "not all dogs thrive on daily walks". "Contrary to popular belief, dogs with behaviour struggles can get more reactive or more excitable when we try to exhaust them through too much exercise," she said.
While it's fine to walk your dog in the rain, you should try to avoid getting them completely drenched. Just like we'd put on our coats for a walk in the rain, you might want to consider a doggy raincoat to protect dogs from the weather and prevent them from getting soaked through.