How much outdoor time does a dog need?

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. 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. It’s also sensible to avoid steep slopes, as they put extra pressure on the joints. If your dog is struggling, speak to your vet about how you can improve their diet and exercise routine. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. Bored dogs will find something to do if kept outside during the day or while you’re at work, which is never a good thing. So hang out with your dog and prevent unwanted behavior. An ounce of prevention prevents hours of changing behavior, so never leave your dog outside unattended.

When it comes to dogs, outdoor time is so much more than a bathroom break. Going outside is also an opportunity for exercising, exploring, and socializing. 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.