Is a 2 hour walk too long for a dog?
Mazie Bernhard
2025-06-26 14:45:20
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The general rule that you will hear about how long you should walk your dog is between 30 minutes and 2 hours daily. However, remember that it could be 30 minutes once a day or 2x 1-hour walks. The actual duration will depend on your dog's age, health, and size. Long walks are great for younger dogs, and they will need to get that pent-up energy out to be calmer at home. If you notice their breathing is heavy or slowing down, it's time for a water break and to head home. Large dogs (50+ lbs): about 2 hours a day. You can break this up into several walks. If your dog is older or has arthritis, you may want to keep the walks shorter. However, to still get plenty of exercise in the day and at least 30 minutes total, you can complete several short walks or quick 10-minute games.
Harley Kuhlman
2025-06-19 11:55:04
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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. If she starts to slow down about 25–30 minutes into the walk, she may be getting tired. Instead of eagerly striding forward, she may start to pant more and take more interest in her surroundings. If your dog drinks water and immediately crashes on her dog bed for hours, she may have overexerted herself. If your dog starts limping during the walk or after she has rested from a long walk, then she received too much exercise. A dog’s tolerance for exercise can be increased as long as she’s healthy. Take it easy and gradually increase the amount of exercise you give your dog week by week. By slowly building up her stamina and appropriately conditioning your dog’s body, you can avoid injury and pain.
Flavio Rogahn
2025-06-19 10:00:26
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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. As they become older, they’ll be able to cope with larger amounts of exercise. Puppies and dogs can become frustrated and bored if they don’t get enough exercise, so it’s important that they go out for exercise every day. Formal exercise away from their normal environment gives them different environments to explore and is a great way to provide them with mental stimulation. 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.
Dennis Greenholt
2025-06-19 09:52:31
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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 sensible to avoid steep slopes, as they put extra pressure on the joints. Walking and gentle running is fine, but it’s best to avoid chasing, jumping, and skidding. If you think your dog is struggling, speak to your vet about how you can improve their diet and exercise routine. It’s best to start training when they are a puppy but it’s never too late to begin teaching an older dog. 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. 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.
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