Walking your dog is more than just a quick potty break—it’s a key part of your pet’s mental and physical health. Dogs, like people, vary greatly in their exercise needs, and there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when determining how often to walk your dog and how to make each walk fulfilling.
Why Walking is Important
Walking provides essential benefits for dogs:
- Physical Health: Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, supports joint and muscle health, and strengthens the cardiovascular system
- Mental Stimulation: Walking lets dogs experience new smells, sights, and sounds, which helps keep their minds sharp and prevent boredom
- Behavioural Benefits: Lack of exercise can lead to destructive behaviour, as dogs may release their pent-up energy by chewing, digging, or barking excessively. Walking can reduce these behaviours and help your dog stay calm at home
Age and Stage of Life
- Puppies: Growing puppies need several short walks throughout the day to release energy without overstressing their developing joints. For young puppies, walks of 10-15 minutes, multiple times a day, are usually enough
- Adult Dogs: Healthy adult dogs generally benefit from at least one 30-minute walk daily. However, this can vary depending on breed and individual energy levels. Some adult dogs thrive with two or three walks a day
- Senior Dogs: Older dogs may still enjoy daily walks, but they usually require shorter, slower-paced outings. Gentle, low-impact exercise helps maintain joint health and overall mobility
Breed and Energy Levels
Different dog breeds have vastly different exercise needs. For example:
- High-Energy Breeds: Working dogs like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Huskies have high stamina and generally need at least 1-2 hours of daily exercise. They may also benefit from activities like agility training or fetch to burn off extra energy
- Moderate-Energy Breeds: Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles usually need about 45-90 minutes of daily exercise. These dogs enjoy varied activities but may not require intense daily exercise like high-energy breeds
- Low-Energy Breeds: Small or less active breeds like Bulldogs and Shih Tzus may only need 20-30 minutes a day. Walks can be slower and shorter, as these dogs often prefer a more relaxed pace.
Signs Your Dog Needs More (or Less) Exercise
Knowing when your dog is getting the right amount of exercise can help you adjust their routine accordingly:
- Signs of Under-Exercise: If your dog exhibits restlessness, destructive behaviour, excessive barking, or hyperactivity, they may need more physical activity
- Signs of Over-Exercise: Lethargy, limping, reluctance to walk, or prolonged panting after walks can indicate over-exercise. Puppies and senior dogs are particularly prone to this, so keep an eye out
Ultimately, every dog is unique, and their exercise needs will change over time. Observing their behaviour, consulting with your vet, and keeping an eye on their health can help you tailor a walking routine that keeps your dog happy, healthy, and well-behaved.
