How often should I take my dog out to the park?

A healthy dog needs a regular schedule of potty breaks. Adult dogs typically need a minimum of three to five bathroom breaks every six to eight hours per day. However, puppies, younger dogs, and senior dogs often require more opportunities to relieve themselves. When house training or crate training young puppies, take them out to poop or pee every two hours, especially after they wake up from naps and following playtime or meals. Younger dogs—those under the age of five—have higher energy levels than middle-aged or senior dogs, and require three to four walks per day or one long walk, and three to five daily bathroom breaks. Older dogs may have health conditions that reduce their daily walking time and stamina, such as arthritis or hypothyroidism, and they may need more frequent urination breaks due to incontinence or loss of bladder control. The average adult dog needs three to four regular walks a day, though your dog’s age and breed can affect that number. Puppies can hold their bladders for one hour for each month of their age; for example, an eight-month-old puppy needs a potty break every eight hours.

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. 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.

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. No, even if you have a big garden, it’s important to take your dog out for regular walks too. It’s best to find a better time of the day to walk them, or consider hiring a dog walker. If your dog is struggling, speak to your vet about how you can improve their diet and exercise routine. It’s important that your dog stays fit enough to enjoy their walks. If you find yourself rushing dog walks, try to find a better time of the day to walk them.