How long should you play outside with your dog?

Social needs - always make sure your dog is able to behave normally and is provided with the opportunity for daily exercise, play and interaction with animals and people. Making sure your dog has appropriate company is an important consideration for outdoor dogs. Don't let your dog become lonely or bored, and never leave them alone long enough to become distressed. Signs of a distressed dog included barking, howling or whining excessively, as well as panting, hiding and/or showing aggression. We suggest considering these options first to resolve any issues you may be having with your dog. However, if you do choose to keep a dog outside, always take sensible safety precautions, and be alert to risks that may affect your dog outside. We also advise that you check your dog daily for any signs of injury or illness.

Generally speaking, most dogs benefit from anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day. Try to walk for at least 30 minutes per day; depending on the breed, age, and health of your dog, you can increase the length of your walks or the intensity of the physical activity. As long as your dog is comfortable, there’s really no limit to how long he can spend outside or on walks. Be aware of your dog’s abilities and limitations, though. Some dogs need multiple, shorter walks each day while others have more stamina and can get all their exercise in one “marathon” session. Going for daily walks to switch up the scenery is important for physical and mental stimulation. You also shouldn’t keep your dog isolated for too long—you don’t want him to dig up your yard as a result of boredom or separation anxiety. Spending time in the yard is also a great way for your dog to get outside, but you don’t want to rely on your backyard as the sole source of outdoor exposure unless you’re actively exercising together by playing games such as fetch or working on agility courses.

Dogs need from one to two hours of outdoor time a day. Of course, that time can be split throughout the day in thirty minutes or one hour long sessions. But the truth is that it also depends on each dog, and on some specific factors: age, breed, preference, tolerance, and energy levels. Age Puppies tend to have more energy and a higher desire for going outside, while older dogs usually have less energy and don’t always want to go on two hour walks. You can have a Collie that instead of wanting to spend their afternoon at the park, they want to spend it on the couch with you. And although you should give them the minimum of outdoor time so they don’t develop health problems in the future, you can’t force them to stay 2 hours in the park every day. Nonetheless, you will notice that your dogs need more time outside if they’re barking a lot when left alone or if they are destroying the house once you leave. We all understand that a tight schedule can make it difficult to dedicate much time to your dog’s walks, that if you work a 9 to 5 it can be hard to take your pup on an hour long walk every day. But just by taking them 30 minutes to the park before leaving for work and then again when you get back home, it can prevent your dog from feeling anxious and bored when you’re gone.

You can go indoors and grab a drink, but never leave your dog outside for longer than 5-10 minutes. It’s best to hang out in your yard while your dog potties and plays. When your dog is outdoors, sit outside and have a conversation with a friend on the phone or, even better, play a fun game with your dog. If it’s too hot or cold for you to sit outdoors, then the weather is too extreme for your dog to sit outdoors too. Lots of unwanted dog behaviors can happen within minutes, so it’s best to hang out with your dog to prevent these behaviors from happening instead of trying to address them later. Prevention is key, and it takes much less time than changing behavior. An ounce of prevention prevents hours of changing behavior, so never leave your dog outside unattended.

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. 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 important 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. Observe what surfaces are more comfortable for them to walk on, they might struggle more on sand or gravel and might find pavements and grass easier and more predictable. No, even if you have a big garden, it’s important to take your dog out for regular walks too. 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.