No other animal makes a better companion for us humans than a dog does. We love dogs so much that we’ve given them the title of being our best friends. Raising a puppy is a tremendously rewarding, life-changing experience, but it’s not suited for everyone.
Dogs require your time and attention more than most other common house pets like cats, rodents, or fish. Regular walks are a major part of every dog’s care. They are also a vital part of raising a puppy.
But do you know the right way to walk your dog? Do you know how often or how far to take your dog for a walk?
While you may expect a straightforward answer to how often you should walk your puppy, it varies from dog to dog. The amount of walking and exercise a dog needs depends on the breed, general health, size, and current physical shape.
Professionals generally recommend at least 30 minutes of (preferably outside) activities for every dog every day, and not only during weekends.
How long should I walk my dog each day?
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Not all dogs need the same amount of exercise. If you want to determine how often you should walk your pup, there are several important factors to consider, including your dog’s age, breed, and general shape.
Here’s how the factors will help you determine how often to take your dog out for a walk:
Dog breed
One of the most important things to consider is your dog’s breed. There is a vast difference between a Doberman pincher and a Chihuahua regarding walking requirements.
Think about how many steps a dog takes in a mile. It’s only natural that small breeds, especially lapdogs, need far less walking to stay in good shape and maintain perfect health compared to big dogs.
Sporting breeds, such as Shepherds, Collies, and Pointers, need a lot of activity to stay happy and healthy. Compared to them, a Yorkie or a poodle requires minimal walking and exercise.
Like humans, some dogs are couch potatoes and feel just fine, while others are gifted, natural athletes.
Age
The younger the dog is, the more energy they have, and the more walking and exercise he needs. Middle-aged and senior dogs, in general, don’t need as much walking as puppies do. Older dogs are also less eager to play than younger pups.
However, this rule always has exceptions, and many middle-aged and older dogs may still be eager to go for long walks or runs.
If this is the case, you should remember that senior dogs often suffer from various conditions that may lower their energy. They might not be able to keep up with their enthusiasm.
General shape
So, how much exercise does my dog need?
Most breeds can enjoy 30-minute walks daily if they’re in relatively good shape, and many of them will need that walk a couple of times a day.
Dogs with excellent physical health and are in great shape can enjoy walks for up to two hours. Some even go hiking with their owners for several hours at a time.
Overweight dogs may have difficulties walking for more than ten minutes without stopping for a rest or breathing heavily.
You can’t take a dog that rarely ever walks on a two-hour walk and expect him to feel good. If your dog is out of shape, start with 20-minute walks.
Build up that time gradually by adding an extra 5 minutes daily, or add a second walk in the afternoon.
How far should I walk my dog?
To determine how far you should walk your dog, take your best friend out for a walk and monitor how their energy level changes.
If he starts to slow down after you’ve walked a certain length, it may be a sign he’s getting tired. Don’t drag the dog when they stop to snoop around more than they normally do.
Give them the time to rest, then start heading back home, still monitoring your pup’s pace as you walk. If the dog slows down even more, it’s a sign you’ve walked too far.
Always account for the time you need to go back home – the walking isn’t finished until you get back at the house.
Monitoring your dog doesn’t stop once you’re back from the walk. You also need to monitor your pup’s behavior after the walk.
If the dog drinks a lot of water and crashes to sleep without getting up for hours as soon as you return home, it means they’re exhausted, and your walks should be shorter.
Also, if your dog starts limping during the walk or after resting from the walk, it may be a sign that they’ve done more exercise than their body can bear.
You can easily improve your dog’s shape and go on longer walks if the dog is healthy. Just like you wouldn’t join a state marathon if you hadn’t run for a long time, you should take your dog on long hikes if they’ve been sedentary for years.
Build up your dog’s stamina slowly and allow their body to get in proper condition to avoid any injury. However, if that doesn’t work, you can always hire a professional dog walker to help you out.
Make dog walking fun
Walking your dog is essential for its physical health and plays a vital role in its mental well-being.Â
However, dog walks can sometimes become monotonous and tedious for the dog and the owner.Â
Use these tips to make dog walks more fun.
Vary the route
Dogs are curious creatures and love exploring new places.Â
Walking the same route every day can become boring for them.Â
To make walks more interesting, try changing the route frequently.Â
Take different paths or explore new parks and trails. This will provide mental stimulation for your dog and keep you entertained as you discover new areas.
Incorporate training
Dog walks are an excellent opportunity to work on training with your furry friend. You can practice basic commands like sit, stay, or heel.
Adding training keeps your dog mentally engaged during the walk.
Bring toys
Many dogs love playing fetch or tug of war.Â
Bringing a toy during a walk can break up the monotony and add some fun.
Let your dog sniff
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to explore and understand their surroundings.Â
Allowing them time to sniff around during a walk is essential for mental stimulation and well-being.
Incorporate scent work into your walks by hiding treats or toys along the way for your dog to find using its nose.
Take breaks
Dogs, like humans, also need breaks during long walks.Â
This is especially important if you have an older or less active dog who may tire quickly.Â
Let your dog rest and enjoy its surroundings before continuing the walk.Â
Socialize
Dogs are social animals and love meeting new dogs while walking. Try to arrange playdates with other dogs in your area, or take them to a dog park where they can interact with other pups.
Dog walking benefits
Dog walking is not just a chore that needs to be checked off the daily to-do list; it also has numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend. As responsible dog owners, we should prioritize taking our dogs for regular walks, as they offer physical and mental health benefits.Â
Dog walking is a win-win situation, providing exercise for both you and your dog. Dogs need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to maintain their physical health. Regular walks can help prevent weight gain, strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and increase overall energy levels in our canine companions, while also keeping us active and healthy.
Dog walking also has significant mental health advantages. Dogs are social animals and require mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.Â
Going on walks allows them to explore new surroundings, smell different scents, and interact with other people and animals.Â
This helps prevent boredom and reduces destructive behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking.
Walking is also good for you. Studies show that individuals who walk their dogs regularly have lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased feelings of happiness compared to those who do not own pets or engage in regular exercise.Â
Dog walks are not just about physical exercise; they’re about creating a strong emotional bond between owners and their pets. Spending quality time together on walks can deepen the bond between you and your canine companion, fostering trust and respect.Â
Overcome dog walking challenges
Overcoming challenges during dog walking can be a frustrating experience for both new and experienced dog owners.Â
However, you can overcome these challenges with the right approach and techniques.
Pulling on the leash
One of the most common challenges is when your furry friend constantly pulls on the leash. This behavior makes it difficult for you to control your dog and puts unnecessary strain on its neck and shoulders. To overcome this challenge, try using a front-clip harness or head halter that discourages pulling by redirecting your dog’s attention toward you.Â
It is also essential to teach your dog basic obedience commands such as “heel” and consistently reinforce them during walks.
Aggression toward other dogs
Another challenge that many dog owners face is when their pet is aggressive towards other dogs while walking.Â
This can be intimidating and dangerous, especially in public spaces with other dogs.
To reduce this risk, socialize your dog from a young age and regularly expose them to different environments.Â
Additionally, seek professional help if your dog’s aggression persists, as they may require specialized training.
Fearful or reactive behavior
Some dogs may exhibit fearful or reactive behavior when encountering loud noises, unfamiliar people, or animals during walks.Â
In extreme cases, this could lead to excessive barking, pulling on the leash, or even running away.Â
To address this challenge, start by desensitizing your dog through positive reinforcement training techniques such as clicker training and gradually exposing them to triggers in controlled environments.
Refusal to walk
If your furry companion refuses to walk or seems disinterested in going for walks, it could be due to fear, medical issues, or simply boredom with their usual route.Â
To overcome this, try changing the walking route or adding fun activities like fetch or hide-and-seek along the way. It is also essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential medical issues.
Walk your dog: Create the right route for your pup
As long as your dog is comfortable with it, there is no limit to how far and for how long you can walk with them. For some dogs, a walk around the block is perfect. For others, it’s at least ten miles.
If you want to make your dog walks last longer, remember to build their stamina gradually.
Some over-exercised dog symptoms are very unpleasant for your pup, and it’s better to have them prepared than to put them through the pain.
Every dog needs physical and mental stimulation, but the amounts and frequency are individual. Also, not every dog has the same amount of energy every day. Monitor your dog’s behavior to get the answers.