Most dog owners have a lot of questions about walks. This includes how many walks a dog should have per day and what exactly should go into them. To figure that out, it’s best to begin with the basics.
The Benefits of Dog Walks
The most obvious benefit is getting a chance to relieve themselves, with the next most readily apparent reason being exercise. Taking your dog for a walk is a chance to build muscle and burn calories.
However, the mental health benefits for dogs are just as significant as the physical health benefits. Dogs live in a world of sense where smell, in particular, lets them communicate with other canines. A dog is getting messages from other dogs and animals when sniffing something.
But a dog’s favorite form of communication is with you! Pay attention to just how often your dog glances at you during walks. Walks are a way for your dog to bond with you by sharing an essential part of his life.
How Many Walks Should a Dog Have Per Day?
You have to consider that getting outdoors for a walk is about your pup relieving themselves while also exercising both body and mind.
Twice-daily walks should be enough, but duration matters too. Balance these elements to suit your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs prefer longer walks up to 50 minutes while other pups enjoy getting outside more often, but for a shorter length of time.
Important Points to Consider
Several different factors influence how often you take your dog for a walk each day and how long those walks last.
Age
A younger dog will often need more frequent walks, especially during housebreaking. An older dog might also need more walks, but with shorter duration.
Health Conditions
Just as you wouldn’t go hiking when sick or with a healing leg, your dog shouldn’t either. It’s always best to talk to your vet about how to accommodate your dog’s routine with their own individual health conditions.
Breed
Larger dogs generally do need more exercise than smaller breeds. However, it’s more about individual energy levels. An energetic small dog might need to burn off more energy than a calm Golden Retriever.
How Long Should Dog Walks Be?
As a rule of thumb, about ten to thirty minutes is optimal (depending upon your dog’s age and activity level). Most importantly, keep an eye on your dog’s enjoyment of the walk and adjust the length accordingly.
Dog Walking Tips and Tricks
Pay attention to what your dog finds interesting and tailor the walk accordingly. Some dogs like to explore, others enjoy familiar sights and smells, and others still might have a fondness for specific areas.
Consider bringing some treats along on your walks. It’s a great idea to have a bag attached to the leash itself loaded with treats and some extra pet waste bags in case of an emergency.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
You don’t have to lug around a giant thermos. Even a slim pocket-sized bottle will be enough for hot days. Collapsible silicone water bowls designed to attach to a leash are also a great accessory item to have on your walks.
Walk at Strategic Hours of the Day
Imagine what it’d feel like to walk barefoot on heat-soaked rock. Or, conversely, what icy ground would feel like at night. Even crowds and foot traffic can be an issue.
Try to balance temperature, weather, and foot traffic when creating schedules. Your dog’s need for a walk doesn’t change just because the conditions do. So plan for ways to keep the amount of walks consistent even when it’s hot, cold, or raining.
Be Wary of Other Animals, Humans, and Traffic
Your dog will almost certainly love squirrels or birds in the area. But they won’t love being chased, and there’s always danger from traffic. Try to find times and places that avoid both cars and foot traffic alike.
Likewise, other dogs can be a delight for yours, but need to be carefully managed. Encountering a familiar dog can be fun if both are leashed. But a constant stream of encounters can stress both of you out. Remember that it’s always best to cross the street when an unfamiliar dog approaches, even if they’re on-leash.
Bringing It All Together With Your Furry Friend
The most crucial element of the walk is your dog’s enjoyment. Try starting with two twenty-five-minute walks a day and adjust the duration and quantity of walks based upon your observations of how your pup reacts.
Have busy weekdays in the city and need additional help walking your dog? Be sure to find a local dog walker in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, or wherever you may live !
@ross@adaptia.co & @estornello@greenpawschicago.com — this looks good to go once Elise has reviewed
_Assigned to ross@adaptia.co_
good with me!
