Dominique
Going outside daily is one of a dog’s most important basic needs. Walking isn’t just necessary for them to do their business, but also for exercise, relaxation, and mental stimulation. But how often is enough?
Generally speaking, a dog should go outside at least four times a day. This provides enough opportunities to urinate and defecate and prevents physical discomfort. Going out less often can cause stress and health problems. More than four times is, of course, always better, especially for young and active dogs.
How long should you walk per day?
As a guideline, it is often recommended that an adult dog should walk outside for at least an hour and a half per day. This can be divided over several rounds.
However, the ideal walking time varies greatly per dog:
Active breeds (such as shepherds, retrievers, or terriers) often need more exercise, sometimes even double.
Calmer or older dogs can often manage with a bit less, as long as they go outside regularly.
Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior: are they relaxed after a walk, or still full of energy?
Be careful with puppies and young dogs
For young dogs that are still growing, it is actually important not to walk for too long. Too much or too heavy a load can be detrimental to bones and joints.
A common rule of thumb is: 5 minutes of walking per month of age, per walk.
So a 2-month-old puppy would rather go for a walk of about 10 minutes than half an hour.
Here too, every dog is different. Puppies that clearly have energy left after a short walk can sometimes walk a bit longer (on a leash) in consultation with the vet to burn off that energy.
Several short walks or one long one?
For dogs with joint problems, osteoarthritis, or other physical complaints, it is better to spread the walks throughout the day. Several short rounds are less taxing than one long walk and still help them stay flexible. This also often applies to older dogs or dogs recovering from an injury.
Sniffing: just as important as moving
Walking is more than just moving. During a walk, your dog processes information by sniffing. Reading scents is to dogs what reading is to humans. It helps with relaxation, mental challenge, and reducing stress. Therefore, consciously give your dog time to sniff, instead of walking at a brisk pace for the entire walk.
In short:
Go outside at least 4 times a day
For adult dogs, an average of at least 1.5 hours of exercise per day
Puppies and young dogs: short walks tailored to their age
Tailor to breed, age, health, and energy level
In case of complaints, several short walks are preferred
Sniffing is an essential part of every walk
By looking closely at what your dog needs, you ensure a healthy, happy, and relaxed four-legged friend.
