How Many Walks Does My Dog Need?

Every dog needs regular physical exercise. Whether it is a playful puppy or a wise senior, a little Lhasa Apsos, or a bigger Bullmastiff, walks are an essential part of their daily lives. But how often should you plan to take your fur baby out for a walk? Let’s examine why walks are beneficial and how to calculate the right number (and length) of walks for your dog.

More Than Just a Toilet Break

Routine physical activity helps to keep your dog fit, healthy, and mentally stimulated.

Physical activity is good for promoting healthy joints in dogs. It strengthens muscles and nourishes joints, reducing the risk of degenerative diseases like arthritis. Walking also helps to manage a dog's weight and keep it at a healthy level.

Walks are also great for digestive health. Yes, they allow your dog to go to the toilet. But they also will enable them to stretch, pee, or poop in a variety of places. (Did you know that dogs don't like to do their business in the same place all the time? They like options. Fewer walks might mean they are holding things in for long periods.)

Questions to Consider

Knowing how much exercise your furry friend needs can be tricky. There are many things to factor in. Size, age, breed, overall health, and eating habits all affect the frequency of walks your dog will need.

As a general guide, most dogs will require at least two walks, each lasting around 15 to 20 minutes a day. But let’s look at all the factors you will need to consider before you grab the dog collar, leash, and poop bag set and head out the door.

How Energetic Is Your Dog Breed?

The higher your dog's energy levels, the more exercise and stimulation it will require. It's also worth noting that your dog may turn to destructive behaviours without the right amount of these things to search for its missing entertainment.

Breeds that typically have high energy levels are those bred for working, hunting, or herding. Dogs like your Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, Huskies, or Collies will all need a lot of regular exercise and mental challenges. It isn't just bigger breeds that can go off like a frog in a sock when they're bored. Terriers may be tiny, but they are bundles of energy and need more walks than their size may suggest.

Lower-energy dogs are not low-maintenance dogs; they simply don’t need as much exercise. Lapdog breeds like King Charles Cavalier Spaniels or Pekingese dogs may not enjoy as many walks, but you'll probably spend the time saved on walks grooming the little darlings.

Some gentle giants are also excellent couch potatoes. Irish Wolfhounds or Newfoundlands would be happy to relax at home for much of the day, but they still enjoy having a good sniff while out and about.

How Old Is Your Dog?

Age has a considerable impact on how many walks your dog needs. Puppies are bundles of energy and would benefit from many shorter walks a day. Older chaps still want to ramble but physically won’t be able to go as far or as fast as they did in their youth.

Elderly dogs might carry on and hide their discomfort, so we will discuss later what signs suggest your dog needs fewer walks.

What Is the Quality of the Walk?

The time spent and distance covered are not the only factors impacting how good a walk is for your dog. The quality of it also matters, especially for their mental stimulation. If you go somewhere with many new natural things to sniff or other dogs to play with, this is far more entertaining than walking through a built-up urban area.

Also, if your dog has to stay on its leash the whole time you are walking together, it will need to walk longer than if it is allowed to have some safe off-leash time. Twenty minutes off-leash playing recall games or running around is a much greater physical and mental stimulus than the same amount of time walking around the block.

Where Do You Live?

Taking your dog for a walk gives it a break from its usual surroundings. If its surroundings are particularly enriching or stimulating, it might require fewer other distractions.

If you live in an apartment with little outside space to burn off energy or explore, your dog will need more outside time. Your dog would benefit from multiple walks each day following different routes.

If you have a spacious outdoor area with plenty of space to sniff, play, and poop in, your dog won’t need as many walks away from home. However, an entertaining home does not replace walks; it would only reduce the required frequency. Most healthy adult dogs still need at least one or two daily walks.

How Healthy Is Your Dog?

Most adult dog breeds can cope with a walk of 15 to 20 minutes at a time, multiple times each day, if in good health.

However, many health factors can limit your dog's capabilities. Overweight dogs will need to build up to longer and more frequent walks to limit joint and heart strain. Dogs with joint problems may struggle on longer walks or walking on uneven terrain.

You know your dog better than anyone; adjust your walks accordingly.

Signs You Need to Change Your Habits

Your current exercise plans might be perfect for you and your dog, but if that changes, here are some signs to look out for that suggest changing your routine is for the best.

When Your Dog Needs More Walks

Your dog might need to be taken on more frequent, longer, or more enriching walks if they:

• Need to lose some weight
• Have destructive habits, like chewing furniture or scratching floors
• Are toileting indoors for no medical reason
• Are unsettled when returning from a walk

When Your Dog Needs Fewer Walks

It can be a hard adjustment if you realize your dog is slowing down. Watch for these signs indicating your dog needs fewer or shorter walks:

• Shows signs of stress at the idea of going for a walk (for example, a drooping tail or panting beforehand)
• Exhibits a lack of energy without cause
• Struggles with stiff movements, such as getting off the sofa or climbing stairs
• Has an uneven gait while walking, which may suggest pain

If you notice these signs, it may be worth consulting your vet for reassurance. Your best mate may be getting older, or another underlying condition could be at play. For some of these things, such as stiff movements, your vet may also be able to suggest a supplement plan that will help alleviate their discomfort.

You could also consider alternative exercise to walking. Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs, putting significantly less strain on their joints. You could also try walking for a reduced distance, but with your dog setting the pace. Having your dog off leash and sniffing to their heart’s content still gives them a lot of mental exercise without the same level of physical intensity.

Every Dog Needs Regular Walks

So, to answer your first question, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all response. The frequency and length of walks will vary depending on your dog’s unique needs and your lifestyle.

Keep a close eye on your dog and adjust the routine as needed. If you ever feel unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance. Your vet, breeder, or a local trainer can offer valuable insights to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.

Remember, each walk is not just about exercise; it’s an opportunity for bonding and exploration. So, grab your best dog harness and some treats, and head out into the great outdoors together. Your dog will appreciate the adventure, and you’ll both benefit from the fresh air and quality time.

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Infographic

Figuring out your dog's exercise needs can be challenging due to factors like size, age, breed, health, and eating habits. Check out this infographic for key considerations before taking your dog for a walk.