How often do dogs need to go for walks?

We recommend that you walk your pooch, on average, 3 to 4 times a day for about 15 minutes. However, frequency also depends on the particular dog’s: Breed Eating habits Size, age, and health conditions. A single walk in a day can be perfect for smaller dogs, but large, high-energy dog breeds may require more walks per day. Naturally, younger, high-energy dogs benefit greatly from frequent walks, while senior dogs with mobility complications may need fewer walks. Younger dogs often have high energy, and you can expect them to need more exercise than their middle-aged and senior counterparts. A dog in good general shape can enjoy a 15 to 30 minute walk daily. Most breeds may need routine walks several times per day. Regardless of age and breed, every dog needs some form of physical activity to keep them physically and mentally fit. However, the frequency and amounts are individual.

When winter days get particularly cold and icy, it may be best to consider limiting even your active dog’s daily walk to 20-30 minutes several times a day – unless they are well adapted to colder climates. But, if temperatures get below freezing, it’s best to find ways to keep your dog active indoors or in a sheltered garden and go outside only for very short bursts of time, protecting their paws as much as possible from ice and salt. Your dog needs the same amount of exercise and enrichment in the summer as they do at all other times but on especially warm days, aim for early mornings and cooler evenings to avoid the hot temperatures in the middle of the day. This is another time when walks should be short and more frequent – so you can make sure your dog doesn’t overheat. If you notice your pup is slowing down during walks in the hot weather, not wanting to walk at all, panting excessively, whining or trying to lie down or turn back, these can all be signs that they are getting too hot, so it’s best to stop walking and give them a break somewhere cool and away from the sun. Always make sure you have water with you, as well as access to shade so your pup can rest if they’re feeling too hot even for short walks around the neighbourhood.

Every dog's daily schedule should include walking to ensure their physical and mental well-being. Typically, dogs require a minimum of one to two walks per day, unless advised otherwise by your veterinarian. Walks give your dog a chance to sniff new smells, explore new places and meet new people and dogs – all of which are really important for their mental wellbeing and confidence. It’s also important that your dog is able to spend time sniffing, having fun, running and playing on their walks, otherwise they are likely to get bored. If you find yourself rushing dog walks, try to find a better time of the day to walk them, or consider hiring a dog walker. If your dog has been diagnosed with arthritis, it’s essential to keep them moving regularly throughout the day to prevent their joints seizing up but the exercise they do should be low impact. Walking and gentle running is fine, but it’s best to avoid chasing, jumping, and skidding. No, even if you have a big garden, it’s essential to take your dog out for regular walks too.

Puppies need less ‘formal’ exercise than fully grown dogs. Taking them for long walks while they’re young can overtire them. You’ll know your dog best, and the amount of exercise a dog can manage will vary between breeds and dogs, but a good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes of formal exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown i.e., 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old and so on. Puppies and dogs can become frustrated and bored if they don’t get enough exercise, so it’s essential that they go out for exercise every day. Time and play spent in your garden should be encouraged, but it’s no substitute for going out for a walk and exploring new environments or socialising with other dogs.

Most dogs can tolerate a daily 20–30-minute walk if they have a relatively good body condition. Dogs in great physical health can tolerate walks for up to two hours or go hiking for hours at a time. However, your dog’s lifespan plays a big role in her walking needs. Younger dogs have more energy and, in general, will need more exercise than dogs who are middle-aged and seniors. Take your dog for a walk and monitor her energy level. If she starts to slow down about 25–30 minutes into the walk, she may be getting tired. No matter the form of exercise, try to have your dog engage in at least 10–15 minutes of continuous activity every day. Aiming for a 10–15 minute walk a day can be a good option if you’re struggling to walk your dog because of your schedule.

Dogs need exercise to stay in shape, both physically and mentally, big or small, puppy or senior, your dog needs daily physical activity. But how many times you should walk your dog each day depends on their particular needs. Different dogs have different walking needs, when deciding how often to walk your dog, consider their age, activity level, health, and breed. Younger dogs with more energy benefit from more frequent walks. On the other hand, senior dogs with mobility issues do fine with fewer walks. In general, most dogs benefit from between 30 minutes to two hours of physical activity per day, that averages out to 3.5 to 14 hours of walking per week. Many people break that time up into two or three walks per day. So what’s the definitive answer to “how often should I walk my dog?” Well, at least once a day, but preferably twice—not counting bathroom breaks.