Walking is one of the most important activities for a dog’s physical and mental health. Regular walks keep dogs fit, prevent obesity, reduce boredom, and help with socialization. But how many walks does your dog really need per day? The answer depends on factors like breed, age, energy level, and health condition.
In this guide, we’ll explore how often you should walk your dog, how long each walk should be, and tips for making walks more enjoyable and beneficial for your pet.
1. Why Are Walks Important for Dogs?
Dogs are naturally active animals. Regular walks provide several key benefits:
✔ Physical Exercise: Helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents health issues like arthritis and obesity.
✔ Mental Stimulation: Exploring new scents and environments keeps dogs engaged and reduces boredom.
✔ Socialization: Walks allow dogs to meet other dogs, people, and experience different sights and sounds.
✔ Behavior Improvement: A well-exercised dog is less likely to develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
✔ Bonding Time: Walks strengthen the bond between you and your dog, building trust and companionship.
Skipping walks or not providing enough exercise can lead to frustration, hyperactivity, and even anxiety-related behaviors.
2. How Many Walks Per Day Does a Dog Need?
The ideal number of walks per day depends on several factors, including breed, age, and energy level.
2.1 By Breed and Energy Level
Different dog breeds have different exercise needs. Some breeds require multiple long walks daily, while others are content with shorter, less frequent outings.
Low-Energy Breeds (15-30 minutes per day)
These dogs require short, gentle walks and usually enjoy more relaxation time.
✔ Bulldog
✔ Pug
✔ Basset Hound
✔ Shih Tzu
✔ Great Dane
Recommended Walks: 1-2 short walks per day (15-30 minutes total).
Medium-Energy Breeds (30-60 minutes per day)
These breeds need moderate daily exercise to stay fit and happy.
✔ Labrador Retriever
✔ Golden Retriever
✔ Beagle
✔ Cocker Spaniel
✔ Pit Bull
Recommended Walks: 2 walks per day (30 minutes each).
High-Energy Breeds (60-120 minutes per day)
These breeds were bred for work and require intense physical activity.
✔ Border Collie
✔ Siberian Husky
✔ Australian Shepherd
✔ Belgian Malinois
✔ Jack Russell Terrier
Recommended Walks: 2-3 long walks per day (totaling 1-2 hours), plus playtime.
2.2 By Age
✔ Puppies (Under 1 Year) – Puppies have a lot of energy but can’t walk for long periods. The best rule is 5 minutes of walking per month of age (e.g., a 4-month-old puppy should walk for 20 minutes at a time).
✔ Adult Dogs (1-7 Years) – Adult dogs need regular, structured walks based on their breed and energy levels.
✔ Senior Dogs (7+ Years) – Older dogs benefit from gentle, shorter walks to keep joints healthy without overexertion.
3. How Long Should Each Walk Be?
The length of your dog’s walk depends on their energy level and health condition.
✔ Short Walks (15-30 minutes): Good for low-energy or senior dogs.
✔ Moderate Walks (30-45 minutes): Ideal for medium-energy breeds.
✔ Long Walks (60+ minutes): Necessary for high-energy dogs to prevent restlessness.
If your dog still has excess energy after a walk, they may need more exercise or additional playtime.
4. What Happens If You Don’t Walk Your Dog Enough?
Not getting enough exercise can lead to health and behavioral issues, including:
✖ Obesity and Weight Gain: Dogs that don’t burn calories can quickly become overweight.
✖ Excess Energy and Hyperactivity: A lack of physical activity can cause dogs to act out at home.
✖ Boredom and Destructive Behavior: Dogs may start chewing furniture, digging, or barking excessively.
✖ Anxiety and Stress: Walks provide mental stimulation, reducing stress and anxiety.
If your dog starts showing destructive or anxious behavior, they likely need more physical and mental stimulation.
5. How to Make Walks More Enjoyable
5.1 Let Your Dog Sniff Around
Dogs experience the world through their nose, and sniffing is a form of mental exercise. Allowing them to sniff different scents makes walks more stimulating and fulfilling.
✔ Let them stop and explore, especially in safe areas.
✔ Sniffing releases calming hormones, helping anxious dogs relax.
✔ Use “sniff walks” in low-traffic areas for added enrichment.
5.2 Change Walking Routes
Walking the same path every day can get boring for your dog.
✔ Try new streets, parks, or trails to keep walks interesting.
✔ Let your dog explore different terrains (grass, sand, pavement).
✔ Take them to dog-friendly parks or pet stores for variety.
5.3 Use Interactive Walks
Adding training or play elements makes walks more engaging.
✔ Practice basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “heel” during the walk.
✔ Bring a toy or ball to play fetch in a safe area.
✔ Reward good behavior with treats and praise.
5.4 Walk at the Right Time of Day
✔ Morning and evening walks are best, especially in hot weather.
✔ Avoid midday heat, which can burn their paws on hot pavement.
✔ Bring water and take breaks if your dog seems tired.
5.5 Use the Right Leash and Harness
✔ Standard leash (4-6 feet) – Good for everyday walks.
✔ Retractable leash – Allows more freedom but requires training.
✔ No-pull harness – Helps if your dog pulls too much.
A comfortable harness and leash can make a big difference in walk quality.
6. Do Some Dogs Need More Than Walks?
Some high-energy breeds need more than just walks to stay satisfied.
✔ Dog sports (agility, herding, flyball) help working breeds stay active.
✔ Swimming is great for Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Newfoundlands.
✔ Running or biking alongside you can help Huskies and Border Collies burn extra energy.
✔ Tug-of-war and fetch add extra exercise beyond walking.
If your dog is still restless after walks, consider adding these activities to their routine.
Final Thoughts
Walking is essential for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. The ideal number of walks depends on breed, age, and energy level, but most dogs need at least one to two daily walks.
✔ Small and low-energy dogs: 1-2 short walks per day (15-30 minutes).
✔ Medium-energy dogs: 2 walks per day (30-45 minutes each).
✔ High-energy dogs: 2-3 long walks per day (60+ minutes total), plus extra playtime.
A well-exercised dog is happier, healthier, and better behaved. By providing regular, engaging walks, you can help your dog live a longer, more fulfilling life.