Walking is simple, but sticking to a routine of two daily walks can be surprisingly difficult!For dogs who love the outdoors, if given the choice, I’m sure they would pick unlimited walks at any time and for as long as possible. After all, every time I take Sonny out, he never wants to go home! As long as I’m not working and staying at home, he’ll sit right in front of me and whine, wanting me to take him outside.Walking your dog isn’t just about bathroom breaks; it’s primarily for socializing, exercising, and burning off energy. Many dogs that don’t get enough social interaction tend to develop behavioral issues, such as barking or charging at other dogs, or even becoming fearful.For families with busy schedules, the number of walks a dog needs can vary depending on the individual dog.
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Adult Dogs in Their Prime
For dogs that need to go outside to relieve themselves, you can increase the walk frequency by one more session. A consistent walking schedule is much friendlier for dogs. Medium to large breed dogs generally have higher energy levels and require about 2-3 walks per day, each lasting over 30 minutes. For high-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies, each walk should be at least an hour long, combined with more intense physical exercise to burn off their excess energy. On the other hand, smaller dogs with lower activity needs can be walked twice a day, for 15-30 minutes each time.For dogs that can relieve themselves indoors, walks are mainly for socializing, sniffing around, and exploring. Letting them sniff everything, even for just 10-15 minutes, is enough to keep them content and well-behaved once they’re back home.
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Senior Dogs (7+ years)
Senior dogs require special attention to their joints and bladder control. For dogs in their golden years, you can aim for 3-4 walks a day, but the duration should be shortened to about 20 minutes per walk, allowing them to take their time. You can take them out in the morning after waking up, at noon, in the evening, and before bedtime. This routine will meet their physical needs while ensuring they get enough exercise and socialization.Thinking about Sonny in his old age, I’m concerned about what I’ll do when I’m working full-time and need to manage four walks a day. I’ll have to train him to relieve himself at home, as holding it in for too long can be hard on their bodies.
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Puppies (3-6 months old)
Puppies are usually trained to go to the bathroom indoors, so they don’t require outdoor potty breaks. Their walks are mainly for familiarizing them with the outside world and socializing. One or two short walks per day, lasting around 10-15 minutes, should be enough. Avoid vigorous exercise such as jumping or climbing stairs, and stick to flat surfaces to prevent skeletal issues. Small breed puppies, especially, are at risk of patellar luxation due to their delicate femurs, so it’s important to be cautious with their physical activity.
I just want to say, being a working professional is tough! Two walks a day is already the best I can do. How many times do you usually take your dog out for walks?
