A step-by-step guide to master the art of dog walking

No other animal makes a better companion for humans than a dog. We love dogs so much that we’ve given them the title of 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 house pets like cats, rodents, or fish. Regular walks are a significant part of every dog’s care. Providing regular exercise through daily walks is a vital part of raising a puppy.

But do you know the right way to walk your dog? Do you know how often or 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 daily, not only during weekends.

How long should I walk my dog each day?

Not all dogs need the same amount of exercise. Several factors, including your dog’s age, breed, and general shape, should determine how often you should walk it.

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. Regarding walking requirements, there is a vast difference between a Doberman pincher and a Chihuahua.

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, and you may want to consider getting a pair of dog walking boots if you own any of these breeds.

Compared to them, a Yorkie or a miniature 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, the more energy they have and the more walking and exercise they need. 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 will need that walk a couple of times a day.

Dogs in excellent physical health and 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 5 minutes daily or 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 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 usual.

Give them time to rest, then start heading back home. Keep 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 it takes to return home — the walk isn’t finished until you get back home.

Monitoring your dog doesn’t stop once you’re back from the walk. You also need to watch your pup’s behavior after the walk.

If the dog drinks a lot of water and falls asleep without getting up for hours when you return home, 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 it has done more exercise or put more stress on its joints than its body can bear.

If your dog is healthy, you can easily improve its shape and go on longer walks.

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 it’s been sedentary for years.

Build up your dog’s stamina slowly and allow their body to get in proper condition to avoid 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 vital to its mental well-being. 

However, dog walks can sometimes become monotonous and tedious for the dog and the owner.

Don’t just let your walks become routine. Instead, use these tips to make dog walks more fun.

Vary the route

Dogs are curious creatures and love exploring new places. 

Walking the same route every day can become boring for them. 

To make walks more interesting, try changing the route frequently. 

Take different paths or explore new parks and trails to stimulate your dog mentally 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.

Be sure to praise your dog for good behavior.

Bring toys

Many dogs love playing fetch or tug of war. 

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. 

Allowing them time for sniffing 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

Like humans, dogs need breaks during long walks, especially older or less active dogs that may tire quickly. 

Let your dog rest and enjoy its surroundings before continuing the walk. 

Socialize

Dogs are social animals and love meeting new dogs and people while walking.

Try to arrange socialization 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 you must check off the daily to-do list; it also has numerous benefits for 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. 

Dog walking is a win-win situation, providing exercise for 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 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. 

Going on walks allows them to explore new surroundings, smell different scents, and interact with other people and animals. 

This helps prevent boredom and reduces destructive behaviors such as chewing or excessive barking. It also can help alleviate anxiety and help create a happier dog.

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 happiness compared to those who do not own pets or exercise regularly. 

Dog walks are not just about physical exercise; they create 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. 

Overcome dog walking challenges

Overcoming challenges during dog walking can be a frustrating experience for both new and experienced dog owners. 

However, you can overcome these challenges with the right approach and techniques.

Pulling on the leash

One of the most common challenges is when canines constantly pulls on the leash. This behavior makes controlling your dog difficult 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. 

It is also essential to teach your pooch 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. 

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. 

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. 

In extreme cases, this could lead to excessive barking, pulling on the leash, or even running away. 

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. 

To overcome this, try changing the walking route or adding fun activities like fetch or hide-and-seek. It is also essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out 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 find out.

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