How Often Should I Walk My Dog? Importance Of Daily Walks

Taking your dog out every day is very important, even if you have a garden. Indeed, your doggie needs to get out of his familiar world to discover other smells, people, and dogs. This is essential for him to be physically and mentally balanced. Walk times may vary depending on your dog's age or breed. So how often should I walk my dog; what's the right rhythm? And the best time for daily walks? That's where we'll find all the answers to your questions immediately.

How Often Should I Walk My Dog?

As for the question of how often I should walk my dog, ideally, you should be able to take your dog out 2 to 3 times a day, which is not always easy when working. So, it is also important to be able to do it according to your organization so that the daily walk is a moment of pleasure and sharing with your pet and not a chore!

The important thing is to do the best for your pet. For example, if you live in an apartment, you must be able to take him out at least twice a day, ideally three times, so that he can relieve himself; this is for an adult dog. If you have a puppy, allow more outings per day because he won't be able to hold himself back for very long.

If you have a house with a garden, taking your dog outside at least once a day is essential. And this is especially true if you have a sporting dog (Border Collie, Labrador, Jack Russell, etc.). With him, a long walk and physical exercises are necessary, especially if he has been locked up all day.

Your puppy needs to exercise, run and be mentally motivated. Whatever breed your dog belongs to, he needs interaction with the outdoors. This is essential for the socialization of the puppy, necessary to its proper development and, in adulthood, for its psychological well-being. 

How Long Should I Take My Dog Out?

Taking your dog out for between 15 and 30 minutes (minimum) 3 times a day is advisable. For a puppy, it is better to take several walks a day, but of short duration, because he tires more quickly and sleeps more.

An adult dog of medium size will appreciate 1 to 2 walks per day for about an hour. But, of course, some breeds demand more with a little more physical activity. The outing will provide the opportunity to learn the puppy's basic commands, play with his companion, and why not teach his dog to swim. 

For a senior dog, it is necessary to consider his physical abilities and the fragilities he may have due to his age (osteoarthritis, joint pain, heart failure, etc.). If you are unsure how much time to spend with your dog daily, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice. He will be able to advise you according to the age and breed of your dog.

The best time of day to walk your dog is when it's convenient for you and when you can make time for your pet.

Avoid taking him out right after the meal to minimize the risk of stomach dilatation-torsion if it is a large dog, the most predisposed to this veterinary emergency. For example, wait at least an hour for the Great Dane and the Rottweiler.

You can take a short walk in the morning if you have time before leaving for work and a longer one in the evening. It will also allow you to relax during the day.

If you are one of those people who don't have time in the morning, then a longer walk at the end of the day will be perfect. Take the opportunity to exercise your dog (fetch a ball, look for an object or even run with him).

In summer, prefer early morning and evening outings in the cool. Avoid, if you live in town, as much as possible outings at the sun's peak in paved and unshaded places as. Heatstroke can happen very quickly. In addition, some breeds with flattened faces do not tolerate high temperatures very well. This is the case, among others, of the English Bulldog or the French Bulldog.

In winter, beware of de-icing salt, which is toxic and which the dog can ingest on his return by licking his paws. This poisoning is one of the dangers of winter in dogs.

What İf Can't I Walk My Dog ​​enough?

If you are a very busy master and you think you are not taking your dog out enough, there are efficient solutions so that your companion can get some fresh air and satisfy all his needs.

Because let's remember taking your dog out is not just for his hygienic needs. An animal has physical (running, exercising), mental (learning), olfactory (ah!, new smells and messages from fellow dogs that the dog sniffs during outings), and social (meeting other dogs, but also humans). 

Now, dog walkers, or dog sitters, offer to walk the dogs for you several times a day. And it works! The masters are reassured to see that their companions can go out and exercise, and the dogs are well in their paws. Of course, this represents a cost, but in return, you are assured of the well-being of your animal.

The dog walker can also take over from time to time if you are sick or on a business trip, for example.

You can have your dog looked after for a weekend or vacation. Dog sitters must hold a certificate of competency. Do not be reluctant to consult your veterinarian for advice.

How Many Times A Day Should I Take My Dog ​​out?

Before adopting a dog, you must be sure you can offer him everything he needs to remain happy and in good mental and physical health.

One of the most difficult things to quantify is time because, above all, a dog needs the attention of his master, who must therefore be ready to devote several hours a day to him.

Among all the moments necessary for a healthy lifestyle for a dog are walks, activities that are as time-consuming for the master as they are fulfilling for the dog.

To ensure minimal well-being for your faithful companion, you must anticipate his need for daily outings, which will depend on his age, race, health, and temperament. 

Why Take Your Dog Outside?

Walking your dog is essential for his health and happiness and allows him to do his business.

Physical Health

From a physical health point of view, outings allow the dog to exercise, that is to say, to maintain its muscles, joints, heart, and lungs.

This prevents him from aging prematurely and gaining too much weight, a recurring problem in sedentary animals at the origin of many diseases.

There are also canine hobbies and sports that you can explore according to your taste for the sport and your dog's breed.

 

Mental Health

For the most athletic dogs, that is to say, almost all breeds that do not belong to group 9, exercise is essential to burn off their excess energy and maintain good mental health.

Lively and athletic dogs who do not have the opportunity to let off steam by running, playing with their fellow dogs, or exploring their environment tend to transform their frustration into stress and develop deviant behaviors.

We immediately think of Greyhounds, Huskies, and sheepdogs (Border Collies and German Shepherds). Still, you should know that Terriers and hunting dogs (Labrador, Spaniels, and Golden Retrievers) need just as much exercise to stay balanced.

Pleasure dogs (Poodle, Bichon, Pekingese, etc.) are less sporty, but they are not fragile doggies who will not like walks and even long hikes.

We easily forget that behind their beautiful furs, these little doggies have also been working dogs and are not much more fragile than Dobermans: they also need exercise and will love to let off steam as big dogs.

Finally, all dogs, athletic or not, need to evolve in a stimulating environment to exercise their sense of smell and intellect.

While owners often overlook this aspect of outings, it is crucial for the well-being of dogs.

It is, therefore, important to let his faithful companion sniff the smells he encounters on his way during walks and not to hurry him or pull on his leash to take him faster to a dog park or another place you are thinking of that he will be happier.

A one-hour walk does not have to be three kilometers long: 500m may be enough if your faithful companion has preferred to hang around rather than run. 

Socialization

Outings are an opportunity for your doggie to meet other humans, experience a new environment, and meet other dogs. 

This is an essential step to allow him to develop a balanced behavior and learn to control himself and behave well in front of his congeners.

In addition to making your pet feel better about themselves, socialization will make your life much easier if one day you have to entrust your dog to a dog-sitter, board it, bring it to friends who also own an animal, or adopt a second dog, cat, or rabbit.

To emphasize this aspect of your dog's education from an early age: let him meet other dogs, play with them, and even be "reprimanded" by his peers so that he learns to measure their actions and interact well with their peers. 

Natural Needs

Finally, outings are essential, so your dog can relieve himself naturally unless he has access to a garden at all times.

This last point should not be overlooked: in addition to small incidents unpleasant for the owner to clean up, a dog that holds back urination for too long can develop serious kidney and urinary system problems.

Frequency Of Outings

The frequency of outings varies with each specimen, but it can generally be said that a daily thirty-minute walk, in addition to hygienic outings, is the bare minimum to keep a happy and healthy dog.

This will, however, be quite insufficient for an athletic and energetic dog and perhaps too long for an old dog suffering from osteoarthritis.

Ultimately, you must adopt an outing rhythm carefully adapted to your doggie, and nothing prevents you from doing shorter outings during the week (minimum 30 minutes) and going on walks of several hours at the weekend.

Frequency Of Hygienic Discharges

If your dog does not have access to a garden at all times to relieve himself when he wishes, he is forced to hold back between two outings, which is unpleasant and can even make him suffer.

An adult dog can hold himself between 4 to 5 hours, even when an adult dog sleeps, up to a maximum of 8 hours.

It is, therefore, necessary to take him out at least four times a day. Otherwise, he risks either holding himself back too much, which is dangerous for his body or being unable to hold himself back before the next outing.

On the other hand, puppies are not able to hold themselves back as long as adults: they must therefore be taken out every 1 to 2 hours and immediately after each meal.

Frequency Of Leaving A Puppy

For several reasons, puppies should have more outings than adult dogs.

First of all, it takes about 8 to 10 hygienic outings a day because a puppy cannot hold back as long as an adult and must have the opportunity to relieve himself outside as soon as he feels the need. Want to learn cleanliness properly?

It is indeed only thus that he will make the link between going out and the action of defecating and will subsequently get into the habit of waiting to be outside to eliminate.

In addition, a puppy must be able to exert himself to his heart's content to be tired when he comes home, this being essential so that he can sleep during your absences and learn not to fear moments of solitude.

Finally, during his young age, the puppy must be socialized to allow him to develop a balanced behavior.

The more frequent the outings, the more he will have the opportunity to meet other animals, other humans, and various situations to which it is good to accustom him (public transport, car noise, etc.).

Frequency Of Output Of A Sporting Dog

Very athletic dogs need to let off steam to channel their energy and enjoy enough distractions not to give in to boredom.

During or in addition to his hygienic outings, it is, therefore, necessary to plan at least 1, or even 2, one-hour walks during which he can run and play with his master and/or his congeners.

Hunting dogs (Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Beagles, Spaniels, etc.) also have a great appetite for olfactory stimulation and will be happier walking in places where they will have the opportunity to follow tracks or smell various smells. 

Frequency Of Leaving An Old Or Sick Dog

Tired, fragile, or sick dogs can have difficulty moving around, and owners often make the decision to only take them out for their hygienic needs.

Their mental health needs to continue to get fresh air and exercise their sense of smell.

A daily walk of at least 30 minutes, in addition to or during a hygienic outing, is therefore still indicated, except in the event of injury or severe illness requiring complete rest.

Take the time to walk your old dog or convalescent pet at a pace that suits him and let him stop whenever he wants, and take as long as he pleases to sniff scents that intrigue him.

 How Many Walks Should I Give My Dog Each Day?

It is important to walk your dog at least once a day, and I am talking here about a real walk of at least 30 minutes for the most sedentary dogs and at least 1 hour for athletes.

So count at least 1 hour of outing per day for your dog or even 2 hours for athletic or energetic dogs.

Best Products for Dogs

How To Teach Your Dog Or Puppy To Walk On A Leash Without Him Pulling?

Do you want to know how to teach your dog or puppy to walk quietly on a leash by your side? Does he pull too much on a leash or refuses to move forward? 

While walking on a leash, the master and dog must be relaxed!

Here are some tips to help you learn and use gentle and positive methods!

Why is learning to walk on a leash important?

One of the basics of training a dog or a puppy is to teach him to walk on a leash. 

First of all, for security reasons: we certainly don't want to see him escape, cross a road or go toward other dogs without being able to ensure that there is no danger. Also, if your dog becomes big as he grows up, he could knock you down if he hasn't adequately assimilated walking on a leash without pulling.

And then for practical questions: in some cities, some public places (forests, beaches, etc.), or category 1 and 2 dogs, the law requires you to keep your dog on a leash.

Might as well teach him, from an early age (3 months), to walk on a leash in a relaxed way so that a walk does not rhyme with stampede!

Collar, Harness, Leash, Lanyard. Which Equipment To Choose?

The collar may not be ideal for learning to walk on a leash!

Always prefer the most comfortable equipment for your dog to teach him to walk on a leash.

The collars strangle the dogs and create a reflex of opposition that encourages them to pull. Learning to walk on a leash is not recommended. If you only have that available, use a flat collar, especially not a choke or spiked collar, which will choke and hurt your dog.

The must for learning to walk on a leash is the harness! With a classic or better training harness, the ride will be much more pleasant for you and your dog. 

For the leash, no retractable leash or lanyard at the start. We prefer to use a short leash, the goal being to teach him not to pull.

If the leash is too long, the dog will not realize the difference between a tight leash = unwanted behavior = no reward versus a loose leash = desired behavior = reward.

How to teach your dog to walk on a leash: the method

Teaching Your Dog To Walk On A Leash

Above all, don't rush your dog during this learning process: don't force him to move forward, don't give a bang with the leash, or scold him.

 

Otherwise, he could associate the leash with a negative element, and you will all lose the benefit of the training, and it will take time to regain his confidence. So stay zen and relaxed, and follow my advice!

ADVICE FROM YOUR CANINE EDUCATOR FOR SUCCESSFUL LEARNING

 Make Exercise As Easy As Possible For Your Dog

At the start, we will do everything to make the exercise as simple as possible for your doggie.

One of the fundamental principles of education in the gentle method is strengthening the dog's confidence in his ability to perform the required exercises.

Before you begin, let him exercise, relieve himself, and release all the excitement associated with the joy of going for a walk or exercising with you. As a result, your dog will be more available and focused.

Train in a calm, distraction-free environment, such as your living room. You can change the settings later.

You must decide whether your dog should walk to your left or your right. The choice does not matter, but it is important not to change it once the decision has been made. This will serve as a benchmark and make learning easier.

Be aware, however, that the institutional norm is the left side. So if you plan to do competitions, agility, or another canine sport, you will have to respect this standard.

Take a small supply of treats in your pocket or your hand, on the side opposite to that chosen for the dog walk. Otherwise, he will necessarily follow the hand that holds the reward instead of just standing next to you.

Reward Very Regularly

The goal is to select the desired attitude by rewarding your dog when he performs it correctly: we want him to walk on the chosen side without overtaking you and leaving you relaxed.

Reward him as soon as he finds himself in this position, even by chance! 

Positive reinforcement is that: the dog will begin to understand that if he walks calmly next to mom or dad, he gets something: treats, congratulations, and caresses. And yes, not so stupid!

You can also guide him with gestures, for example, tapping on the leg to tell him to stay close. 

Once the exercise has been acquired in an easy context (home), you can begin to space out the rewards: every 5 or 6 steps, for example.

In a place exposed to distractions, the rewards will have to be many more to keep his attention and motivation.

Communicate Correctly And Smoothly

Do not hesitate to gently call your dog by his name by giving him the order to tap your leg regularly and to congratulate him without moderation. 

This also allows you to continue to capture his attention if the exercise is a bit long for him.

Warning: it is useless to say "heel" if your dog is already in the desired position; we would rather tell him when he moves away from it.

If, for example, your dog starts to feel the ground pulling in the opposite direction or if he is no longer looking at you, this is an excellent time to tell him "heel" right when you change direction. Then, be ready to praise him and reward him right behind.

Take Care Of Your Companion

Consider making short sessions. Beyond 15 minutes, the power of concentration of a dog is exhausted. So, for a puppy, stop the exercise after 5 minutes.

It is better to do short but regular sessions rather than too long sessions, which could become suffering for the animal.

Gradually Modulate The Difficulty

Increasing the difficulty of the exercises gradually is very important.

You're setting the bar too high if you start at a busy hour in the middle of a park.

Remember that the dog only learns when he is rewarded. If he's too distracted, he'll never get a treat, and you risk discouraging him. So it's counterproductive.

Start at home, then in your garden. Later, practice in a park when no one is around, then at a busy time, but keep about 100 yards apart. When you find that he is comfortable and attentive in these situations, you can do the exercise during distractions (children, other animals).

My Dog ​​pulls On A Leash: What Are The Solutions?

If you have followed the learning method, and even when training regularly, your dog still pulls on the leash, other solutions can help you.

Prefer an education harness with a chest clip: He will thus have less power to shoot, and his force will be diverted.

 

Let your dog steam off well before doing a walking training session on a leash. Walk him for at least 30 minutes before putting him on the leash. After smelling, pooping, and running, he'll be in a much better condition to listen. Do not do the exercise after feeding him either: he will be much less attracted to treats if he already has a full stomach.

Change direction regularly: During the training exercises, if the dog pulls, go quietly in a straight line in the opposite direction, but be careful: do not pull on the leash! Carried away by the trajectory of your walk, the dog will naturally find itself in the correct position. This is also part of the training to make him go in the other direction and create loops and U-turns. So we continue to capture his attention. Take the opportunity to constantly reward him as soon as he finds himself by your side. It's all about repetition with positive reinforcement. For example, if your dog assimilates that he is always encouraged when he walks correctly at your side very quickly, he will not want to do anything else!

Be patient, and don't dwell on failure: Dogs learn more or less quickly depending on their age and character. What is important is the regularity of the training and not complicating the exercise too quickly or skipping steps. Don't be afraid to start from scratch and train again in your living room or garden, even if your dog is used to the great outdoors.

 

If you still have difficulty, do not hesitate to contact a dog trainer! 

What İf Do I Want To Teach My Dog ​​to Heel, Off-Leash?

The technique for learning to heel walk without a leash is the same as for teaching him to walk on a leash.

The only difference is the possibility that the dog will walk away when faced with a distraction. In this case, you will need a good reminder!

 

 We hope this article answered the question of how often I should take my dog.