For many dog parents, daily walks are the best parts of the day. There’s nothing better than seeing your dog happily sniff around, take in the fresh air, and get their steps in. But, many new dog parents may be questioning: how much should I walk my dog? The answer isn’t as clear as many may think. Keep reading to learn the perfect number of walks your pup should go on!
To make it easier for you, we’ve split up the information based on your pup’s age! Simply find your dog’s age range and you’ll learn how much they should be walked.
Puppies
If you’ve recently gotten a puppy, congrats! Your life is about to change for the better. To find how often they should be walked, the consensus is to use the Five Minute Rule. This means that they should receive five minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day. For example, if your puppy is five months old, they need two 25-minute walks a day. Too much walking for a growing puppy can harm their developing joints.
Adult dogs
If you have an adult dog, aim to do two walks daily, or one longer walk. This is also dependent on the breed. Herding and sporting dog breeds need vigorous movement, while smaller lap dogs are satisfied with shorter outings.
Senior dogs
Senior dogs are true gifts! If you’re a senior dog owner, choose short and gentle walks. Too much movement can cause joint stiffness, but short, flat walks keep them moving healthily.
Things to keep in mind
Every dog is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Adjust these recommendations based on your dog’s health, breed, and preferences. Also, keep in mind that missing a walk doesn’t make you a bad dog parent. There is often pressure as a dog parent to be perfect for your pup. However, if you can’t make a walk, it’s not the end of the world! Be sure to keep your dog stimulated in other ways, like toys, treats, or games.
We hope you learned something new! Remember, our dogs need both mental and physical stimulation. A healthy dog is a happy dog!