Walking your dog provides several benefits for both you and your dog. You both receive exercise, fresh air, and an opportunity to interact. But how long should you take your dog on a walk? In this post, I will provide numerous examples of how long to walk each dog and describe the benefits of walking.
Table Of Contents
−- How Long Does It Take to Walk a Dog? (Examples for Various Breeds)
- Will Walking Provide Enough Exercise for Your Dog?
- How Far Should You Walk Your Dog?
- How often should you take your dog for a walk?
- The Advantages of Walking Your Dog
- Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely
- Has a veterinarian examine your dog to ensure everything is in order?
- Check to see if your dog is familiar with basic obedience commands.
- Use the Proper Leash and Have the Proper Equipment on Hand
- Be Aware of Your Environment
- Be Prepared to Clean
- Obtain a microchip for your dog.
- Maintain Hydration for Both You and Your Pet
- Make yourself visible, especially at night.
- Keep an eye out for Distress Signals.
- Getting Ready for Your Walk
- Conclusion – How Long Should You Walk Your Dog?
How long does it take to walk a dog? A dog should be walked for at least 30 minutes and no more than two hours every day. You may walk them once daily, but twice a day is best. More easygoing dogs, as well as those who are very young or very elderly, will not require as much time. Energetic canines will need to walk for a longer period.
Strolling your dog is more than just taking them to the potty and walking them around the block. Walks benefit their physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Continue reading to discover more about how long to walk a dog and the advantages of doing so.
How Long Does It Take to Walk a Dog? (Examples for Various Breeds)
How often and how long you walk your dog is up to you and your dog. You may discover that your dog prefers a long morning stroll followed by a nap in the afternoon. Alternatively, they may laze around all day and then go for a walk in the late afternoon. Also, depending on whether you’re busier during the day or at night, your free time will decide when and how long you’ll walk your dog.
When you don’t go for a walk, dogs like huskies and hounds may prefer alternative activities, such as playing fetch in your yard. On the other hand, terriers are known to become bored fast and require more walks than other breeds.
Puppies and older dogs should take shorter but more frequent walks that provide them plenty of time to relax so that their bones and joints are not stressed.
Will Walking Provide Enough Exercise for Your Dog?
Whether a walk, even a lengthy walk, is enough to exercise your dog depends on your dog and the length of your stroll. A huge dog on a short lead will receive far less exercise than a little dog hopping around on a Flexi-lead.
A good rule of thumb is that if your dog is still tugging on the leash at the walk’s conclusion, especially if she continues to exhibit behavioral issues and over-excited behavior after a walk, she needs additional exercise. It is more probable that your dog’s requirements are being addressed if she walks beside you and then takes a nap afterward.
Here’s a handy chart to help you figure out how frequently and how long to walk your dog based on its breed:
| Breeds | How often? | How long? | How far? |
| Herding Dogs | |||
| Cattle Dogs, Shepherds, Sheepdogs, Collies, Corgis | 2-3 times a day. These clever dogs like to get out a few times so they don’t stir crazy. | At least 120 minutes plus additional activities for larger breeds and 60 minutes for corgis. | 8 to 10 miles minimum, up to 20 or more for larger breeds. 5 to 8 miles for corgis. |
| Sporting Dogs | |||
| Pointers, Spaniels, Retrievers, Weimaraner, Vizsla. | Twice a day. These dogs like a good solid walk but also may get bored inside after a long walk. | At least 100 minutes plus additional activities for larger breeds and 60 minutes for smaller spaniels. | 10 to 12 miles minimum, up to 30 miles for large breeds, and 8 to 10 miles for smaller spaniels. |
| Hound Dogs | |||
| Greyhounds, Afghans, Coonhounds, Foxhounds, Dachshunds, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Wolfhounds. | Once a day. These dogs are usually happy to take it easy after a long walk. | At least 120 minutes for larger breeds, 30 to 60 minutes for smaller breeds | 12 to 15 minimum, Up to 20 miles for larger breeds. 5 to 10 miles for smaller breeds. |
| Rat and Small Game Terriers | |||
| Airedale, Hairless, Border, Schnauzer, Fox, Rat, Scottish, Kerry Blue, Lakeland, Manchester. | Twice or more a day. | 60 minutes for most breeds, up to 120 for larger breeds. | 3 to 5 miles for most breeds, 8 to 10 minimum, and 20 for larger breeds. |
| Large Terriers and Working Group | |||
| Staffordshire, Bull terriers, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, The great Pyrenees, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Mountain dogs, Husky. | Once a day. These dogs would rather have a good long hike with another activity in the morning or evening when they aren’t walking. | 60 to 80 minutes for most breeds and 180 for high-energy breeds like huskies. | 5 to 10 miles for most breeds and 20 miles for active breeds. |
| Non-Sporting and Toy Group | |||
| Eskimo, Bichon, Shar-Pei, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Poodle, Schipperke, Lhasa Apso, Maltese. | Twice a day. These dogs thrive with a couple of strolls morning and evening. | 30 to 60 minutes for most breeds; Dalmations and schipperkes need up to 120. | 2 to 5 miles for most breeds. Dalmations should cover up to 10 miles a day, while schipperkes need up to 8. |
More information on how long to walk various popular dog breeds may be found below:
Smaller Dogs
Smaller dogs, such as the Dachshund, Corgi, Chihuahua, Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, and others, should walk for at least 30 minutes daily for up to an hour. Because they have shorter legs, they cannot walk as far or as quickly as larger dogs.
Their stamina, though, varies from dog to dog. More calm dogs will require 30 to 45 minutes of daily walking. Energetic dogs, even the tiniest ones, can walk for an hour or more daily.
If feasible, divide the walk into two walks each day. It is better to walk your dog off-leash if they have strong control and listens well to your orders.
Larger Dogs
The German Shepherd, Labrador, and Golden Retriever are among the most popular larger-sized breeds. These dogs vary in height but are typically 25 to 32 inches (67-82 cm) tall in adulthood, making them capable of greater speed and distance.
German Shepherds are excellent working dogs. They are well-known for their police job, with the ability to travel large distances to apprehend criminals. The Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
It is utilized for handicap support, such as traveling long distances with blind owners in a peaceful manner. The Labrador Retriever, as the name implies, excels at retrieving or playing fetch.
German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers should have at least 45 minutes of fun, brisk walking, jogging, or running daily. These dogs should be walked for around an hour every day. The most active might require 1.5 to 2 hours each day.
How Far Should You Walk Your Dog?
Since we’ve already discussed how long to walk a dog based on breed, it’s time to find out how far to walk your dog. The distance you and your pet can go is determined by both of you – your speed and, of course, how fit and physically capable your pet is.
If you’re out on a walk with a senior dog or a little dog, you won’t get very far before your dog begins to exhibit signs of exhaustion. Larger dogs can cover a lot of ground with you if you walk at a quick pace. The slope, topography, and weather of the trail you’re traveling on will also influence how far you walk a dog.
A one to three-mile stroll will suffice to make your dog happy. Larger and more energetic dogs, on the other hand, may want to walk even further. Keep in mind that if you’re walking a puppy, a mile will suffice. Allow the puppy to choose the speed of your stroll, whether it is rapid or slow. Spending time outside will excite their senses and keep them happy.
How often should you take your dog for a walk?
As a general guideline, you should walk your dog for at least 15 minutes three to four times daily. However, this might vary depending on your dog:
Eating habits based on breed, age, size, and health issues
While a stroll once a day may suffice for smaller dogs, high-energy dog breeds will demand more than one walk each day. Is your dog a member of one of these breeds? Do you enjoy sports and wish to spend more time exercising with your dog?
Perhaps you’re unsure how much exercise your dog needs. In that situation, you should see your veterinarian. They will gladly provide you with useful hints and walking advice tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
The Advantages of Walking Your Dog
Walking your dog is good for more than just going to the potty; it also helps keep your dog healthy and happy. The following are some of the advantages your dog will acquire from walking with you regularly.
Physical Advantages
- Cardiovascular fitness has improved
- Lower your blood pressure.
- Muscle and bone strength
- Avoid degenerative joint disorders.
- Assist in maintaining a healthy weight.
Mental and Emotional Advantages
- Establishes and enhances your relationship with your dog.
- Allows kids to explore the outdoors, which helps to keep boredom at bay.
- Allows them to play and mingle with other dogs in the neighborhood.
- Because of the many sights and smells stimulates your dog’s brain.
Not only does walking your dog assist your dog, but it also benefits you! Pet owners can make use of the following advantages.
Advantages for Dog Owners
- Walking is a terrific form of exercise, and walking your dog allows you to kill two birds with one stone by exercising and bonding with your pet simultaneously.
- Others frequently perceive people who own dogs as nice and accessible. Your pet is frequently an excellent icebreaker and conversation starter!
- Walking and caressing your pet might help alleviate tension and anxiety.
- Because pets provide unconditional affection, it is believed to have mental health advantages for pet owners, including greater self-esteem.
- Walking your dog around the neighborhood allows you to meet and greet new people.
Some dogs, particularly those with a high activity level, may require more walks than others. I’ll go through some safety precautions you should take when walking your dog.
Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely
Walking your dog isn’t always a bed of roses. Before you go on a stroll with your dog, there are a few things you should check and think about.
Has a veterinarian examine your dog to ensure everything is in order?
Your dog is unable to communicate and, as a result, cannot express how they are feeling. A stroll may not always be good, and you may end up harming your cherished pet. It is especially vital to seek the counsel of a veterinarian if your dog suffers from arthritis or if you have a very young or very elderly dog.
Check with your veterinarian before beginning any new physical activity with your dog to ensure they are physically capable.
Check to see if your dog is familiar with basic obedience commands.
It’s natural for your dog to get enthusiastic about all the sights, sounds, and scents they may encounter while walking.
This is when basic obedience skills come in handy. Instead of running up to smell every dog or person they meet, your dog should listen and obey your directions. Remember that not everyone you meet may want to be licked by your dog, so maintain control at all times.
A remote collar trainer is one of the greatest things I’ve used to handle my dog. The SportDOG 1275 Remote Trainer is the one I used and one of the most popular on Amazon. It’s well-made, waterproof, has a clear, easy-to-read LCD screen, and is fantastic at keeping an energetic dog under control during walks or runs.
Use the Proper Leash and Have the Proper Equipment on Hand
Check that your dog is wearing a strong, robust leash that is fastened to a well-fitting collar or harness. This gives you complete control over your pet and prevents them from wandering off. You should hold the leash properly or wrap it around your hand to avoid accidentally letting go. You don’t want your dog to run away from a skunk or a more hostile dog.
It might be difficult to get your dog home if they become fatigued mid-walk. Consider utilizing a pet stroller when bringing a smaller dog on longer walks or runs. You can walk your dog part of the way and then put them in the stroller if they grow weary.
Be Aware of Your Environment
Be alert when you are for a stroll or jogging with your dog. Check to see if your path is too hot for your dog’s feet. You should also be aware of the cars and pedestrians you will meet when walking your dog.
If you’re walking a senior dog, steep pathways may tax their joints. No matter how long you walk your dog, you should always examine his paws for wounds or splinters.
Be Prepared to Clean
Your dog will most certainly go for a potty break, so have plenty of paper bags and towels on hand to pick up your dog’s feces and hold it until you arrive at the correct disposal receptacle. You should also be a nice neighbor by not allowing your dog to run on your neighbor’s grass.
Obtain a microchip for your dog.
Your dog should be microchipped since you never know when something may happen, and your dog will run away to somewhere you can’t contact them. It will be much easier to recognize your dog and contact you if it has a microchip.
Maintain Hydration for Both You and Your Pet
Depending on how long you walk your dog, it’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you to keep him hydrated. You might carry a foldable dog dish or a bottle with a spout to assist your dog in drinking more quickly. You can provide little but regular sips of water, particularly during the summer.
Make yourself visible, especially at night.
Wear luminous apparel if you’ll be walking your dog at night. Your dog should also be wearing luminous apparel, collars, or leashes. You should pack a flashlight to see where you’re going and a clip-on flashing light to make you and your pet visible to passing motorists.
Keep an eye out for Distress Signals.
Stop walking and take a rest if you see any of the following distress signals from your dog:
- Limping
- Lethargy
- Shivering
- Panting excessively
If your pet’s symptoms linger after you’ve rested them, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Getting Ready for Your Walk
When your dog is a puppy, the best time to start training them to walk outdoors with you is when they are still young. You should start taking them for walks as soon as your vet says they are strong enough to go outside.
Some puppies may tolerate wearing a collar well, while others may be bothered by it and whine about it. Before you even take your dog on a walk, ensure they are comfortable wearing a collar.
Your first few walks with your pet should be brief; you want your pet to become accustomed to the sensation of being attached to you by a leash. This is also a wonderful time to teach your puppy not to pull and to walk behind you and your lead. Give your dog goodies, and touch and praise them anytime they follow you.
Walking your dog also helps you exercise patience – you should not battle with your pet and pause before becoming annoyed or tired. Remember that you’re laying the groundwork for a bonding activity that both you and your pet will enjoy for a long time.
Conclusion – How Long Should You Walk Your Dog?
Regular walks help both the dogs and their owners. It’s also a terrific method to form and strengthen friendships. To summarize, how long should you walk your dog?
Every day, dogs should be walked for 30 minutes to two hours. The exercise might be walking, jogging, swimming, or something else that gets them moving and raises their heart rate. The walk can either be completed all at once or in small segments throughout the day.
Walking your dog keeps him happy and healthy. Pet owners will benefit from the lessened stress and anxiety that walking provides, in addition to the fact that it is a terrific form of exercise. Walking your dog outside provides you the opportunity to meet and greet others in your community.
Just make sure your pet is physically healthy and that you have the necessary equipment, such as a durable leash, poop bags, and drink, before you go for a walk. When walking your dog at night, remember to have a flashlight, bright clothes, or a reflective collar or leash. Have fun walking!
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