Are you unsure about the right balance between rest and exercise for your dog? It’s normal to be concerned about your pup’s lifestyle. After all, your canine companion can’t hit up your local gym if they need a workout – they rely on you to fulfill their exercise needs!
Just like humans, dogs require a fair amount of physical activity to stay healthy. A sedentary way of life isn’t good for anyone, so taking your furry friend for a walk every day will benefit you both.
At a Glance
- You should take your pup on frequent walks every day.
- Most dogs should be taken for a short walk three to four times a day for at least 15 minutes.
- Try to take a longer walk at least once or twice a day for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- The amount of dog walks you take should depend on your canine’s age, health, fitness levels, and breed.
Keep reading to learn more about your pup’s exercise needs.
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How Often Should I Walk My Dog?
Your furry friend thrives on routine. A predictable schedule helps keep them comfortable and content. It’ll be helpful if your dog knows when to expect a leash-led adventure, so be sure to walk them consistently!
No matter your dog’s breed or size, they need to be taken for a walk every day. It’s good for their physical and mental health and keeps them in tip-top shape. Most pups should be taken for a walk three to four times a day for at least 15 minutes.
However, this can depend on a few different factors. For example, you’ll likely need to walk a highly energetic Border Collie more than a mellowed-out French Bulldog.
Though frequent short walks are a great way to improve your pup’s joint health and overall well-being, you should still try to take some long walks. You can easily make your pup’s potty breaks into a short stroll, but try to take longer walks at least once or twice a day for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
The best way to make your dog walks an enjoyable affair is to ensure your property is spic and span – that means no puppy poo littering your lawn! Simply sign up for a poop-scooping service in order to keep your grass feces-free.
How Many Walks a Day Does a Dog Need?
The frequency, duration, and intensity of your pup’s daily exercise should depend on several factors:
- Age: Growing puppies should be introduced to regular exercise slowly to protect their joints. Adult dogs must be taken on walks consistently to maintain their overall health. Older canines might require less physical activity and fewer walks.
- Health: If your furry friend has health issues, they might need to take a break from the long walks and mountain hikes for a while as they recover. Be sure to consult with your vet if you have concerns about your dog’s health.
- Fitness Level: If your canine companion isn’t used to taking regular walks, you might need to slowly build up their fitness levels until they can handle it. Some dogs in excellent physical condition can go on walks, hikes, or adventures for over two hours at a time.
Bonus: Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere? 10 Reasons Why
Dog Breeds That Might Need More Exercise
One of the biggest factors that can impact how much exercise your pup needs is their breed. Sporting breeds or working breeds, like Australian Shepherds, require more physical activity. The more energy your dog has, the more walks you should go on!
Dog Breeds With a High Energy Level
- Siberian Husky
- Golden Retriever
- Alaskan Malamute
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd
- Labrador
- Weimaraner
- Boxer
- Dalmatian
Dog Breeds With a Moderate Energy Level
- Basset Hound
- Bull Terriers
- Saint Bernard
- Tibetan Terrier
- Pug
- Whippet
- Cocker Spaniel
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Miniature/Toy Poodle
- Shetland Sheepdog
- English Bulldog
- Shih Tzu
- Lhasa Apso
Dog Breeds With a Low Energy Level
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Miniature Dachshund
- King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Maltese
- Pomeranian
- Miniature Pinscher
- Bichon Frise
How Often Should an Indoor Dog Be Walked?
The bare minimum is to take your dog outdoors to stretch their legs for at least 10 to 15 minutes three to four days a week. If it’s not feasible for you to go outside that frequently, you can swap out a walk for some fun indoor activities.
If you live in the never-ending winter of North Dakota, going outside into the bitter cold can be far from enjoyable. But for pet parents who live in Dallas, you have no excuse not to take your four-legged friend for frequent walks!
Different Ways to Exercise Your Dog
Taking a lap around the block can get repetitive. Though cute and chic, your neighborhood might get rather boring after a while. Luckily, there are some great ways to spice things up if you’re looking for something new and exciting to do with your furry friend!
- Walking: Take a quick trip to a dog park or an outdoor shopping center to enjoy a dog walk in a new location.
- Swimming: Swimming is a great way to exercise your dog, especially if it has stiff joints. In hot weather, it can also help keep them cool!
- Running: If dog-walking isn’t enough to burn off your canine companion’s high energy levels, try going for a run with them. Start with a short burst of gentle jogging before gradually working up to longer runs.
- Play: You should already know that pups love to play! While a fun play session might not be the best replacement for consistent walks, it is a great way to introduce some extra activity into your dog’s daily routine. Be sure to use toys designed for dogs
Final Thoughts
How often should you walk your dog? Whether you’re searching for an effective weight control method for your overweight Dachshund or a way to maintain your furry friend’s physical health, it’s important to spend adequate time exercising every day.
Keep Reading: Excessive Panting In Dogs, And What It Means
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