How Often to Walk Your Dog
November 6, 2021

How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?

Disclosure: Some of the links below are partner links, meaning that at no cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Without a doubt, regular exercise is necessary to keep a dog happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.

A simple daily walk can strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged friend and contribute to their better social behaviour in the long term. But how often should you walk your dog, and for how long?

In this article, we are going to take a look at the important factors that will determine the ideal amount of physical activity for your pooch.

How Often You Should Walk Your Dog: Things to Keep in Mind

For many dog owners, the fresh air that comes with daily outdoor walks is one of the biggest benefits of welcoming a puppy into the family. However, both under- and over-exercising a dog can lead to considerable negative consequences, so finding the right balance here is a must.

As a rule of thumb, you should walk your dog for at least 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times per day — but this can vary depending on your dog’s breed, age, activity level, and more.

Here is what you should keep in mind when deciding how often to walk your dog:

1. Your Dog’s Breed

First and foremost, different dog breeds naturally require different amounts of daily exercise. For example, working or sporting dogs like Collies, Pointers, and Shepherds tend to have higher activity needs as compared to dogs bred specifically to be lapdogs, such as Papillons and Yorkshire Terriers.

However, don’t get overly fixated on your dog’s breed and don’t forget to take his individual preferences into account.

Similar to humans, some pups are natural athletes with endless energy, while others are mostly couch potatoes. So, don’t be surprised if your usually-lazy Bassett Hound likes to go for a jog, – just go for it!

Activity Needs of Cattle Dogs and Sheepdogs

Cattle dogs like Bouvier des Flanders and Sheepdogs, such as Border Collie or Sheltie Sheepland, generally require higher levels of activity.

With these types of dogs, you should aim for about 4 walks per day, 20 – 25 minutes each.

In addition, dogs in these breed groups are incredibly intelligent, so be sure to also challenge them mentally by teaching them new things or giving them a puzzle toy.

Cattle dogs like Bouvier des Flanders and Sheepdogs, such as Border Collie or Sheltie Sheepland, generally require higher levels of activity.

With these types of dogs, you should aim for about 4 walks per day, 20 – 25 minutes each.

In addition, dogs in these breed groups are incredibly intelligent, so be sure to also challenge them mentally by teaching them new things or giving them a puzzle toy.

Activity Needs of Hunting Dogs

Hunting dogs, such as Greyhounds, Schnauzers, Pinschers, and Beagles, need a daily activity challenge.

For these breeds, the minimum exercise requirement is around 1.5 hours of daily walks. These types of dogs also enjoy running, so consider a regular running practice with them.

Activity Needs for Terriers

Terrier dogs may be small, but they need quite a bit of exercise, with an ideal walking schedule of 3 walks per day, 20 – 25 minutes each.

Lively and well-trainable, Terriers will also benefit from daily mental activity games.

Activity Needs for Companion Dogs

Chihuahua and other companion dog breeds are not very high-energy, so you should avoid challenging them with intense activity.

Instead, go for short daily walks and use smaller time periods for fun games to keep them physically fit.

For some short-haired breeds, too much activity can do more harm than good, as they tend to overheat easily. For these breeds, very short and easy walks will suffice.

Chihuahua and other companion dog breeds are not very high-energy, so you should avoid challenging them with intense activity.

Instead, go for short daily walks and use smaller time periods for fun games to keep them physically fit.

For some short-haired breeds, too much activity can do more harm than good, as they tend to overheat easily. For these breeds, very short and easy walks will suffice.

2. Your Dog’s Age

Puppies and younger dogs have more energy and, therefore, require more exercise than adult dogs (generally: 5 – 8 years) and senior dogs (generally: 9+ years).

In addition, younger dogs tend to enjoy spending more time playing around compared to older dogs.

However, very large dog breeds such as giant breeds should avoid lots of activity as puppies to avoid joint damage.

Sometimes, older dogs are still eager to actively play but are not able to keep up due to age-related health conditions like muscle atrophy, arthritis, or hypothyroidism. In general, consider gradually reducing the amount of daily exercise as your dog gets older.

3. Your Dog’s Stamina

How often and how long you should walk your dog largely depends on how much daily activity they can handle and enjoy.

- Physical condition: Most dogs respond well to daily walks 20 to 30 minutes in length, given they are in a good health and body condition.

Some physically fit dogs enjoy longer walks and can even go hiking for hours at a time. On the other hand, overweight dogs may struggle to walk 10 minutes without taking frequent breaks.

- Try this: To determine the proper amount of time to walk your dog based on their stamina, try taking your pooch for a walk and pay close attention to their energy level — namely, look at their walking speed.

If your dog is able to maintain an energetic pace for 15 minutes but starts to slow down afterward, this could mean they are getting tired.

At this point, take a short break. When you start heading back home, monitor your dog’s pace along the way. If they are slowing down further, consider shortening your walk duration next time. If they seem happy and energized, you can consider going for longer walks.

To increase your walk time and distance, do it slowly and don’t over-work your dog. Increase your walks by very short times – no more than 5 minutes at a time – and continue to monitor your dog’s response.

- Physical condition:
  Most dogs respond well to daily walks 20 to 30 minutes in length, given they are in a good health and body condition.

Some physically fit dogs enjoy longer walks and can even go hiking for hours at a time. On the other hand, overweight dogs may struggle to walk 10 minutes without taking frequent breaks.

- Try this:
  To determine the proper amount of time to walk your dog based on their stamina, try taking your pooch for a walk and pay close attention to their energy level — namely, look at their walking speed.

If your dog is able to maintain an energetic pace for 15 minutes but starts to slow down afterward, this could mean they are getting tired.

4. Your Dog’s Size

While breed, age, and your dog’s stamina will have a significant impact on the amount of physical activity the pup needs, size is also an important factor to keep in mind.

As such, a small dog will likely enjoy a shorter stroll, while a large canine may be more likely to benefit from longer daily walks.

How Often Should You Walk a Small Dog?

While smaller dog breeds like Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Yorkshire Terriers tend to be less active, they still require daily exercise to stay healthy. As such, regular walks can help to prevent anxiety, fear, aggression, and hyperactivity.

As a general rule, small dogs need 30 minutes of walking per day, broken up into at least three 10-minute walks. Smaller dogs may need to urinate more often to prevent bladder and kidney problems.

Most often, small canines need to run to keep up with the human pace, so a slow, short trip around the block should be enough walking for many small dogs.

How Often Should You Walk a Medium Dog?

Depending on the breed, medium-sized dogs can range from low-energy to athletic, but they still require more daily exercise as compared to the smaller alternatives.

Breeds like Whippets, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels should be able to walk at a comfortable pace beside the owner. As such, they can withstand longer durations, averaging 40 to 80 minutes of walking and play per day.

How Often Should You Walk a Large Dog?

Even though a large dog can still be somewhat lazy, some are incredibly energetic and agile. Most large dogs were bred specifically to cover a lot of ground, so these energetic dogs will prefer a long hike over a quick neighbourhood stroll.

As a rule of thumb, aim to provide your large dog with at least 30 to 120 minutes of daily exercise.

Some high-energy breeds like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies may require even more than two hours per day, but some breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog may prefer a 30-minute walk at a time, plus access to a large area to run and play freely.

5. Your Schedule

While exercising your dog sufficiently is important, we may live busy lives or have very long workdays from time to time.

If you can hire a dog walker, you would still be able to easily meet your dog’s exercise needs.

Otherwise, do your best to squeeze in your schedule at least three daily walks of 10 – 15 minutes.

You can also supplement the walks by playing with your dog in the backyard or engaging them with physical and mental activity inside the house.

The Best Time to Walk Your Dog

Once you determine how often you should walk your dog, it comes down to developing an ideal walking schedule based on your pup’s needs.

In addition to exercise, daily walks allow your furry friend to do their “doggy business”. Healthy, adult dogs should be let outside to relieve themselves at least 3 to 4 times per day, with some walks being longer to allow for sufficient exercise.

As such, an ideal dog walking schedule may look like this:

- A short walk in the morning before breakfast
- A potty break or another short walk midday
- A longer walk or run before dinner
- Another potty break or short walk right before bed

Of course, every family will have their own best schedule. As long as you include at least one long walk and a few shorter ones each day, your pup will stay fit, healthy, and happy.

In Conclusion

While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “How often should you walk your dog?”, over time, you will be able to determine the ideal schedule that will provide sufficient exercise for your furry friend without over-exerting them.

Remember that walking a dog is more than just a fun activity; it is vital to your dog’s health and overall well-being.

By establishing a good dog-walking schedule that suits your pup’s needs and your schedule, you will be able to enjoy the time spent with your companion, while ensuring that they receive sufficient physical and mental stimulation at the same time.