How Often Do You Have To Walk Your Dog?

Discover the ideal dog walking frequency for your furry friend. Learn how often you should walk your dog to keep them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Benjamin BA(Hons), PgCert.

6/6/20243 min read

It's good for both you, and the dog to walk. Walking your dog is good for both physical and mental health. It helps to keep extra weight off, lowers blood pressure and provides a healthy dose fresh air. But do you walk your dog enough to benefit from it?

How often you walk your dog will depend on several factors including the breed, age and energy level of your dog. It also depends on how much time is available to walk your dog.

How each of these factors affects the frequency with which you should walk your dog.

The Breed Can Dictate Walking Frequency

Different breeds require different amounts of exercise. Working or sporting breeds such as Collies and Australian Shepherds may require more exercise than lap dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers or Papillons.

But breed isn't everything--individual preference comes into play too. Some Basset Hounds are natural athletes while others like to lounge on the couch. Dogs who are stressed out, have separation anxiety or are destructive can benefit from more exercise.

When exercising or walking breeds with flat-faces, such as Boxers or Pugs, caution should be exercised. Pet parents should be aware of signs of heatstroke in these dogs.

Consider Your Dog's Age

The lifespan of your dog will have a major impact on her walking requirements. Dogs that are younger have more energy, and in general will require more exercise, than older dogs (9 years and older). There are exceptions to the rule.

Remember that older and middle-aged dogs can have osteoarthritis, atrophy of the muscles, or other diseases like hypothyroidism, or Diabetes which lower their stamina. They may be mentally eager to go, but physically they may not be able.

You should look out for signs of fatigue in your dog and avoid pushing past their limits. Your veterinarian can also help your pet perform at their best as it gets older by providing joint supplements.

Some Dog's Are Built for Long Stints of Exercise

When determining the amount of time you should walk your dog, it's important to take into account their health. If they are in good physical condition, most dogs can tolerate a 20-30 minute walk every day.

In good physical condition, dogs can walk for two hours and go hiking for several hours. obese or overweight dogs may find it difficult to walk for 10 minutes without stopping frequently or panting excessively due to exercise.

However, some dogs such as working cockerspaniels have high levels of tolerance for long, arduous bouts of exercise and activity, whereas other breeds such as a bulldog may struggle.

Walk your dog and keep an eye on its energy levels. Your dog may be tired if it begins to slow down after about 25-30 minutes. They may begin to pant and show more interest in the environment (looking around and sniffing more) instead of striding forward.

As you return home, monitor their speed. Can your dog maintain the slower pace or does it continue to slow down? If they keep walking slowly, it has walked too much. The next time you walk, make it shorter to allow for the time to return home.

You should also monitor your dog's behavior following a walk. Your dog may have overexerted itself if it drinks water, then immediately falls asleep on her bed for several hours. If your dog begins to limp during or after a walk, it may have received too much activity.

Can a Dog's Stamina Be Improved?

As long as a dog is healthy, they can increase her tolerance to exercise. However, you shouldn't expect a dog, who has been sedentary for years, to run or walk for hours.

Increase the amount of exercise your dog receives week-by-week. You can prevent injury by slowly increasing your dog's stamina.

Can You Keep Up?

According to the NHS, people need 150 minutes of moderate exercise per a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise.

It's fantastic if you exercise your pet at least 150 minutes per week. However, we all lead busy lives, and it's not always possible to exercise regularly.

If your schedule makes it difficult to walk your dog, consider:

  • Hiring a dog-walker

  • Aim for 10-15 minutes of walking per day

  • Playing in the garden can supplement your walks

Try to get your dog to exercise for at least 15 minutes every day. Your dog will be happier and healthier if you give it both mental and physical outlets.

Take Away

If they are in good physical condition, most dogs can tolerate daily walks of 20-30 minutes.