Being a pet owner, you must have been asked numerous times how often do you walk your dog. This question can be stressful, especially if your answer is not what they expected.
As a pet parent, you have numerous responsibilities, such as keeping your pup fed, taking it for visits to the vet, and showering it with love and adoration.
Sometimes, even the simplest tasks of walking your dog could feel tedious. But no matter the breed, age, or size, you must walk all canines because they need bathroom breaks, strolls, and endurance runs.
Moreover, walking is crucial for the health of your four-legged companion. How often do you walk your dog daily eventually depends on many factors. But the primary takeaway is that physical activity can do wonders for your pup.
The Benefits Of Walking Your Dog
Below are the various benefits of walking your dog every day.
1. Walking Is A Source Of Mental Stimulation And Exercise
You may not be aware of this, but taking your pup for a daily walk lays down a solid foundation for their mental and physical health.
Like a child, your furry friend cannot wait to explore the world; therefore, you cannot keep them confined inside the four walls of your home.
In addition, keeping them locked up inside can cause destructive behavior. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to allow your pup the freedom to explore the world’s smells, sounds, and sights. Taking your pal with you is recommended even when you go out to your favorite places.
Have you ever noticed how excited your pup becomes when you take it walking? If yes, it should be reason enough for you to take them for a stroll.
2. Walking Boosts Your Pup’s Health
Keep in mind that your puppy can become overweight if you keep it inside for prolonged periods. It can lead to numerous health problems. Even if you keep your furry friend active inside your home, it is recommended that you take them outside to relieve some of their pent-up energy.
It is believed that canines behave better when you take them out for some exercise. So, you will benefit from their good mood and avoid unnecessary weight gain.
3. Walking Improves Your Dog’s Socialization Skills
While you are out for a walk, your pup will likely come across other dogs with their owners. Be sure to capitalize on this opportunity and use it to help your furry friend learn acceptable ways to interact with other animals.
It will be helpful to build your canine’s confidence, so they will be more eager to make new friends.
How Often Should Your Dog Walk?
Before you decide how much time your dog should be strolling about every day, you need to consider a bunch of factors. These include the following.
- Your schedule,
- The exercise tolerance of your canine,
- Age,
- Dog breed.
When walking canines, remember that every breed has its preferred style of adoration and care. While some need to be walked only once a day, others will require you to take them out at least three times.
How Long Should A Dog’s Walk Be?
If your pup is in good shape, it is likely to be able to walk around 20 to 30 minutes daily. However, if it has health issues or is overweight, it may only be able to pull through for a 10-minute stroll.
As a pet parent, you are responsible for monitoring your best friend’s pace whenever you take it out for a walk. It will help you analyze what your pup can handle.
Is Daily Walk Necessary For Your Dog?
While you may feel guilty for not being able to take your dog out every day, keep in mind that it does not make you a bad pet parent. All you need to do is ensure that your furry friend gets some healthy exercise or activity to keep them occupied inside the house.
Walking is indeed the preferred method of allowing your pup to exercise. But it is not the only method. Additionally, most pup owners cannot take their dogs out daily due to a lack of time. You can always play a game of fetch or have your canine chase a ball in the hallway.
Ideal Time To Walk A Dog
Is early morning the ideal time to walk a dog? Should you do it before bed or before meals? Well, the answer will always depend! But here is an idea of what your four-legged companion’s walking schedule should look like.
- A brief walk before breakfast in the morning.
- A potty break or short walk at midday.
- A run or long walk before having dinner.
- A potty breaks or walks before bed.
Keeping your dog on this basic schedule will suit their evacuation, exercise, and eating needs. But do not feel bad if you cannot follow this schedule down to a tee! Make sure to take a few short walks or potty breaks during the day.
The Final Word
Now you know there is no conclusive answer to how often to walk your dog.
Thus, you do not have to walk your pup daily, and your time may differ as per the abovementioned factors.
However, take a stroll with your pup now and then to bond and allow them to explore the world. Happy walking!