How long to let dogs play outside?

Puppies benefit from going outside as soon as possible to start getting used to the big wide world. Your puppy can go in the garden straight away – provided it’s secure. Make sure there are no holes or broken bits of fence that your puppy could sneak under or through. If you have areas of gravel or decorative stone that your puppy may try to play with, or vegetable beds that you don’t want your puppy digging up, it’s a good idea to section these areas off with a temporary barrier. Dogs love a treasure hunt in the garden or to follow the scent of treats in the house. Benefits of scent work include: Release of dopamine and serotonin, calming, brain work, 10 minutes is the same as a 30 minute walk. Brain work, 10 minutes is the same as a 30 minute walk.

You shouldn’t leave your dog outside unattended. It’s best to hang out in your yard while your dog potties and plays. Of course, you can go indoors and grab a drink, but never leave your dog outside for longer than 5-10 minutes. 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. 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. An ounce of prevention prevents hours of changing behavior, so never leave your dog outside unattended.

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. Provide constant access to clean drinking water and a well-balanced diet. Use a sturdy water bowl and check regularly for refills. We also advise that you check your dog daily for any signs of injury or illness. Most dogs cope well living outside if they have proper shelter, water, and protection from extreme weather.

As much as we want to dedicate our entire schedules to our dogs, we can’t exactly plan to spend 24 hours per day with our pets. 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. 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. Going for daily walks to switch up the scenery is important for physical and mental stimulation.