How Often Should My Dog Be Walked?

Dogs and walks. They go together like bacon and eggs, but if you're busy and pressed for time, you may be wondering just how often your dog needs his trip around the block. After all, you don't always have time for a walk and, let's face it, sometimes the weather is downright nasty. So, how often do you need to walk your dog?

Like anything, the answer depends. Much of your walking choices depend on whether you have a backyard, what breed of dog your pup is, how old your dog is and what kind of exercise your dog gets. Most people walk their dogs for two reasons: elimination and exercise. Both are valid reasons and must be addressed separately.

Elimination

If you own a dog, you know your dog has to go outside to eliminate. That happens fairly frequently, and if the only way for your dog to relieve himself is to go on a walk with you, then you pretty much have to walk your dog four to six times a day -- or more. The walks don't have to be long, they just depend on when your dog is willing to "go potty." Puppies and elderly dogs often have to go more, which means more frequent trips outside if you don't want to deal with the mess, stink, and hassle of an indoor doggie litter box.

If you have a fenced backyard, you can avoid the hassle and take your dog outside. Of course, either way, you're not going to be able to get away from the feces problem and you're going to have to pick up the poop and dispose of it, either while on your walk or in your backyard.

Don't expect your dog to "hold it" longer than 8 hours, and 5 hours is more ideal. Puppies need to go out every 3 to 4 hours or more because their bladders are very small and they have little control.

Exercise

Let's look at the exercise component of the walk. Unless your dog gets exercise in other ways -- not just sitting outside in the backyard -- you need to walk your dog frequently. How frequently depends on your dog's age, the walk distance, the terrain, the breed of your dog, and the condition of your dog. If your dog is a very active dog or comes from an active breed (working, herding, hound, or terrier), your dog will need exercise every day, unless he is elderly. Even so, older dogs need exercise to keep their joints mobile, just not as far and not as strenuous. Your dog will need a walk at least once a day, or if you go on long hikes up mountains or through rough terrain, maybe two or three times a week. Overweight and under-conditioned dogs need shorter and less strenuous walks than those who are in shape. Puppies need frequent, short walks.

Start Slow and Build Up

If you haven't been taking your dog for a daily walk and would like to start walking him, start slow and only go a block if he is an adult, or less if he is a puppy. Don't push him to go until his tongue is on the ground and don't ramp up his walks too quickly. A way to gauge his ability to go farther is if he is still as active when he gets home. If he takes a nap after the walk, you know you should wait until he's in better condition to increase the distance.

Change Your Walks According to the Weather

If it's very hot or very cold, shortening walks may be a good idea. Unless the weather is life-threatening in some way (frostbite, heatstroke or thunderstorms), going outside even for a little bit will continue the routine and make for a happy pup. Can't get outside? Try substituting some indoor exercise such as a game of fetch.

Skipping a Day

Yes, occasionally you're going to skip a day or two if you are walking your dog for exercise, but don't make that into a habit. Bad weather, colds, and being busy are all good reasons, provided that they don't become excuses. Walking is great for your dog's health as well as yours. If you're really strapped and can't take your dog for a walk, try hiring a professional dog walker or pet sitter. These folks will take your pup out when you can't.

References

Pet Sitters International

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

"The Simple Guide to Getting Active with Your Pet," Margaret H. Bonham, TFH, 2001.