How Long Should I Walk My Dog Each Day? A Simple Guide for Happy, Healthy Pups
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Time to read 7 min
Introduction
Curious about how long to walk your dog?This guide breaks down the ideal walking duration for different dog breeds, ages, and health needs to help you keep your furry friend fit and happy.
Walking your dog isn’t just about exercise; it's a chance for you both to bond and enjoy the outdoors together. But how long should you actually be walking your dog every day? Every dog is unique, and understanding your pet’s exercise needs is key to maintaining their physical and behavioral health. In this guide, we’ll cover factors like breed, age, health, and behavior to help you figure out the ideal walk time for your pup.
Table of contents
Introduction The Importance of Regular Walks Factors to Consider When Determining Walk Duration One Long Walk vs. Multiple Short Walks: Which is Better? What If My Dog Doesn’t Like Walking? Pulling on the Leash Fear, Anxiety, or Reactivity During Walks Planning a Consistent Walking Routine What to Watch for as Your Dog Walks Physical Signs Your Dog is Tired During a Walk Behavioral Signs Your Dog is Overstressed During a Walk Adjusting Walks Based on Your Dog’s Needs Conclusion
The Importance of Regular Walks
Dogs are active animals by nature, and walking is one of the most effective ways to meet their needs. Here’s why walking your dog is essential:
- Physical Health: Routine walking, especially daily walk, can help dogs maintain a healthy weight, support cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles and joints 1 .
- Mental Stimulation: Walks expose dogs to a variety of sights, sounds, and more importantly…smells! This can help to keep their minds working and prevent boredom. Sniffing is a natural behavior that helps reduce stress and satisfies their innate desire to explore the world around them.
- Emotional Health: Dog walks help to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and provide a structured outlet for energy (helping to curb behavioral problems like excessive barking or destructive chewing).
Factors to Consider When Determining Walk Duration
The length of a walk depends on several factors, including your dog’s breed, age, health, and personality. Here are some things to consider:
- Breed and Energy Levels: High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies may require longer, more vigorous walks while low-energy breeds like Bulldogs and Basset Hounds may prefer shorter, slower-paced walks. Check out the American Kennel Club 2 for guidelines on exercise for specific breeds!
- Age: Puppies benefit from shorter, more frequent walks to avoid overexertion while building stamina. (It’s also a great time to reinforce potty training!) Senior dogs may need shorter walks due to joint issues or decreased energy levels.
- Health Conditions: Dogs who are overweight or have arthritis or other medical conditions may require low-impact, shorter walks.
- Weather and Environment: Consider the terrain—hilly or uneven areas may require shorter walks. Adjust walk length based on weather conditions. Hot pavement, extreme cold, or high humidity can make walks uncomfortable or unsafe. Heat and humidity are especially important for dogs with very short muzzles. Breeds such as Pugs, French and English Bulldogs, Pekinese, and Shih Tzus may have a condition called “Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome” or BOAS 3 . This affects the anatomy of their upper airway, and can negatively impact their ability to breathe effectively.
- Specific Behavioral Needs: Anxious or timid dogs may benefit from walks in quieter or more remote areas, such as a forest trail or a cemetery. Dogs with specific training goals may require shorter walks focused on learning commands or leash manners.
One Long Walk vs. Multiple Short Walks: Which is Better?
One Long Walk(~60 minutes) |
Multiple Short Walks(~15-30 minutes) |
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Benefits |
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Keep in Mind |
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The answer (as it so often is) is: it depends! Below we break down some of the benefits and considerations of each approach:For most dogs, the best approach is a combination of longer and shorter walks. Ultimately, the goal is to create a routine that meets your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs while fitting into your lifestyle.
If your dog needs additional outlets for their energy, combine walks with these activities:
- Playtime: Fetch, Tug-of-War
- Training Sessions: Training basic commands, tricks, or agility obstacles
- Mental Stimulation and Environmental Enrichment: Puzzle toys, scent work, or interactive games like “hide and seek” or “find it”
- Off-Leash or Long-Leash Activities: Dog parks, hiking/nature walks, or swimming
What If My Dog Doesn’t Like Walking?
Dog walking should be an enjoyable experience for you and your dog, but common issues may arise that require attention. Here are some of the most frequent dog-walking challenges and solutions:
Pulling on the Leash
- Issue : The dog pulls ahead, making the walk uncomfortable or unsafe.
Solutions :
1)Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for walking beside you with treats or praise.
2)“Stop and go": Stop walking when they pull, and resume only when the leash is slack.Equipment:
3)Use a front-clip harness or head halter to discourage pulling.
Fear, Anxiety, or Reactivity During Walks
Issue : The dog freezes, cowers, or refuses to walk due to fear of certain environments, noises, or objects. Or they
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Solutions :
Identify and avoid triggers: Observe what causes the unwanted reaction and avoid or gradually expose your dog to it.
Redirect attention: Teach your dog to focus on you using cues like “look” or “watch me” using high-value treats
Shorten walks: Start with brief outings in low-stress environments.
Practice impulse control: Teach cues like “sit” or “wait” to manage excitement.
Reward calm behavior: Use treats to reinforce a relaxed state during the walk.
Planning a Consistent Walking Routine
Establishing a predictable routine helps your dog understand what to expect and manage their energy levels. Consider these tips for creating your ideal walking routine:
- Set a Regular Schedule: Walk your dog at the same times each day to create consistency. Morning walks set a positive tone for the day and can help your dog relax better if you need to leave the house. Evening walks help them wind down right before bedtime.
- Incorporate Variety: Change up your routes to keep walks interesting and provide new sensory experiences.
- Monitor and Adjust: Pay attention to your dog’s behavior and energy levels after walks. Adjust the duration or intensity of the walks to ensure they get the right amount of exercise
What to Watch for as Your Dog Walks
When walking your dog, looking out for physical and behavioral signs of stress can help ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. Here’s a list of things to watch for.
Physical Signs Your Dog is Tired During a Walk
- Slowing Down: A tired dog may reduce their pace, lag behind, or stop altogether. They may even sit or lie down, signaling they need a break.
- Panting and Heavy Breathing: While panting is normal during exercise, excessive or labored breathing can indicate fatigue.
- Decreased Engagement: A tired dog might show less interest in their surroundings, toys, or commands.
- Dragging Paws: Fatigue can cause a dog to drag their paws or stumble.
- Excessive Drooling: Increased drooling, especially if combined with heavy panting, may indicate they’re overheating or overexerted.
Behavioral Signs Your Dog is Overstressed During a Walk
- Yawning or Lip Licking: These are common signs of stress, especially if they occur frequently and in situations where the dog is not tired or sleepy.
- Whining or Barking: Vocalizing more than usual can indicate discomfort or anxiety.
- Tucked Tail or Crouched Posture: These body language cues suggest fear or stress.
- Refusal to Walk: A stressed dog may resist moving forward, pulling back on the leash, or trying to return home.
- Hyperactivity or Overreaction: Stress can manifest as excessive excitement, such as jumping, spinning, or barking at stimuli.
- Dilated Pupils and Ears Pinned Back: These physical signs often accompany stress or overstimulation.
Adjusting Walks Based on Your Dog’s Needs
Monitor Their Behavior: Pay close attention to your dog’s body language and energy levels during the walk. Take note of patterns: Do they tire at a certain point, or do specific triggers cause stress?
Choose a Calm Environment: Avoid busy or noisy areas if your dog becomes overstimulated. Opt for quiet neighborhoods, parks, or trails where they can relax and enjoy the walk.
Incorporate Breaks: Allow your dog to rest periodically during longer walks, especially on hot or humid days. Bring water to keep them hydrated and cool.
Adjust the Pace: Slow down if your dog seems tired or overstimulated. Match your pace to their comfort level, particularly for puppies or senior dogs. Focus on quality over quantity by incorporating sniffing and exploration into shorter outings.
Time Your Walks Wisely: Walk during cooler parts of the day to prevent overheating, especially in summer. Also, avoid walking immediately after meals to reduce the risk of bloating or discomfort.
Conclusion
Walking your dog is more than a routine, instead, see it as an opportunity to enhance their quality of life and strengthen your bond. By understanding the benefits of regular walks, tailoring routines to your dog’s needs, and incorporating complementary activities, you can ensure they stay healthy, happy, and fulfilled.
Whether you prefer one long walk, multiple short walks, or a mix of both, be consistent with the timing, include variety in the routes you choose, and pay attention to your dog’s behavior. With the right approach, every walk can become a rewarding adventure for both of you.Don't miss out the idea of having your dog on a treadmill if time is a problem for you. Fitdogo dog treadmill serves a great addition to your dog walking routine.
Author: Miriam Fields-Babineau
Miriam Fields-Babineau has been an animal communicator her entire life. She spoke with felines and horses from a very young age. Conversations with dogs came a little later in life but are very strongly part of her repertoire. She needs only a few minutes with an animal and has full understanding of their personality and how to approach their training. All training is done using positive reinforcement - motivating animals into learning how to reason, respond to cues and become great companions. She has published 47 pet books about training, behavior, holistic care, health care, and breed specific information.
She resides on a mountain farm in Virginia with her family, 3 beloved horses, 2 well trained cats and all the other animals that stay for good care and training.
