Dogs need walks. It is pretty much lesson one of being a dog owner. But, one thing that often confuses new dog owners is how many walks their furry friend needs. Let’s answer that question for you.
How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
It is going to be dependent on the size and overall activity level of your dog. Smaller dogs may be able to get away with 10-20 minutes of walks per day before they get tired, while larger, fitter dogs may demand a good 40-minute walk.
However, in all cases, we suggest that you try to exercise your dog for at least 60-minutes per day. This includes the smaller dogs. You don’t have to do this in one go. In fact, it is recommended that you don’t. However, split around 60-minutes of walks up over the day. We are sure that you shouldn’t have too much trouble walking your dog for 3 x 20-minute walks per day.
Ideally, you will walk your dog just enough to ensure that they are tired when they come home. If your dog seems to be incredibly active throughout the day, then chances are that you aren’t walking them enough. You are going to have to learn exactly how many walks your dog needs per day, but 60-minutes is always a good starting point.
Is a Dog Walking In Your Yard Enough?
No.
Now, if your dog is walking around the yard, then they are going to be burning off a few calories. It will make them fitter. However, very few people realize that walking your dog is so much more than ensuring that your dog stays physically healthy. It is also about their mental health.
When you take a dog for a walk, you are going to be stimulating them mentally. It keeps their brain nice and sharp. It also allows the dog to play into their natural instincts e.g. having a good sniff of their surroundings, or even having a bit of explore. This isn’t stuff that they are going to be able to do in your backyard.
Now, by all means, if you have a larger backyard that your dog runs around in all day, then you may be able to reduce the amount that you walk them ever so slightly. However, you should still be getting your dog out for a walk for at least 20-30 minutes per day.
How Many Walks Per Day Should Your Dog Get?
At least two to three walks per day. Try to space them 6 to 8 hours apart.
Remember, walking your dog isn’t just about improving the fitness and mental health of your furry friend, but it is also to ensure that they can use the bathroom.
Puppies will need much more frequent walks, but adult dogs should be fine with 6-8 hours between those walks. Of course, if your dog is hinting that they want to go out a bit sooner, then take them out.
