How Often Should I Walk My Dog? The Ultimate Dog Walking Guide

Wondering ‘how much exercise does a dog need?’ You’re not alone! There’s no denying the fact that dogs need daily exercise, however, how much they get can depend on their age, health, and even their personality. 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, we care about all animals, big or small! Discover our delicious high quality dog food… Because all exercise should go hand in hand with a healthy, balanced diet. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly how often you should walk your dog, as well as giving you some top exercise tips.  

So, grab your dog’s lead and let's get ready to head out the door and into a lovely stroll!

Why is exercise for dogs so important? 

You’re probably already aware, but not getting enough exercise can be a real problem for dogs. Not only can a lack of walkies cause serious health issues, such as obesity, but it can also lead to behaviour problems. Under-walked canines can show their frustration in many ways, such as chewing, over-grooming, excessive barking, or even toileting in the house. 

As well as preventing obesity and warding off destructive behaviours, physical activity is important in helping your beloved pooch lead a healthy, happy life. It can keep their joints lubricated (helping to reduce arthritis in dogs), support cardiovascular health, and trigger the release of endorphins, which reduces stress and anxiety.

How often should I walk my dog? 

So, just how much exercise does a dog need? First things first, if you’re thinking about adding four paws and a waggy tail to your family, think about whether your lifestyle and schedule can accommodate the amount of time you need for exercise. Could you manage to fit in two or more hours a day of exercise that a Golden Retriever, Border Collie or Springer Spaniel requires? Would your lifestyle be more suited to a breed that’s comfortable with 30 minutes a day – such as a Miniature Dachshund, King Charles Spaniel or Pomeranian? 

As a guide, animal charity PDSA has created a chart which outlines the minimum recommended amounts for different breeds. Here are some of the highlights:

Dogs that need 2+ hours of exercise a day 

• Alaskan Malamute
• Border Collie
• Boxer
• Dalmatian
• English Springer Spaniel
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever 
• Samoyed
• Siberian Husky
• Weimaraner

Dogs that need 1+ hour of exercise a day 

• Bassett Hound
• Border Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• Cocker Spaniel
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Bulldog
• Lhasa Apso
• Miniature/Toy Poodle
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Pug
• Saint Bernard
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Shih Tzu
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Terrier
• West Highland Terrier
• Whippet

Dogs that need 30+ minutes of exercise a day 

• Bichon Frise
• Chihuahua
• King Charles Spaniel
• Maltese
• Miniature Dachshund
• Miniature Pinscher
• Papillion
• Pekingese
• Pomeranian
• Yorkshire Terrier

Top tips when it comes to exercising your dog 

• You don’t have to do it all in one go, in fact it’s better to split activity time into several shorter sessions over the day.
• Vary your route to keep your walks interesting and exciting.
• As well as at least one walk daily, also mix in plenty of playtime and training into your dog’s regular routine.
• Don’t rush your dog on walks and always allow them to stop and have a good sniff around – this is important for their mental health. Find out why having a good sniff is super important to your canine pal – and how it can even help address behaviour issues and improve recall here. 
• Dogs should also be able to spend some off-lead time in a secure area. If this is your garden, make sure it’s a good size for your breed (large breeds need big gardens) and is dog-proof.
• Don’t throw sticks for your dog to chase – they can splinter and injure your dog’s mouth and throat.
• If you throw a ball, make sure it’s not small enough for your dog to swallow.
• Always make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and that their microchip details are up to date.
• Don’t forget to take some poop bags and a selection of treats with you. Treats are very handy for recall, reassurance or distraction if your dog is upset by something while you’re out.
• Safety first! If your dog is sensitive to pollen, make sure you’re walking them somewhere that is suitable. Dogs can suffer from hayfever too, so take this into account when it comes to walkies. 

Our own Burgess in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes, advises: “Throughout their life, dogs need different amounts of exercise. A puppy won’t be able to do a two-hour walk and, as your dog ages, you’ll find they may not be able to keep up with you as they once did. If your canine companion is still full of energy when you get home, it’s a good indication that they need more exercise. Dogs that struggle on walks or aren’t keen to go out may require less – or it could be that there’s an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. The best idea is to always check with your vet that your exercise routine is suitable for your dog.”

Where is the best place to walk a dog 

Well, that depends on where you live and what is available right on your doorstep. First and foremost, you want a nice, safe area where your dog can get enough exercise. And, while familiarity can be convenient, dogs love a bit of variety. They can get a bit more of a thrill checking out different areas near where you live, and it can also be good for their enrichment and sniffing new smells! 

When it comes to taking your dog for a walk, try these areas: 

• Dog-friendly parks
• Woodland paths 
• Places that aren’t too crowded 
• Somewhere with plenty of grass 
• If your dog loves swimming, try to find a small pond where they can take a dip 
• Dog-friendly beaches 

We’ve got some more great places to walk your dog in our blog, Walk this way!

Every dog deserves a delicious, nutritious meal… That’s where Burgess Pet Care come in 

Hopefully, this blog has answered your question: ‘How often should I walk my dog?’, as well as given you some dog walking ideas when it comes to taking your furry friend on a day out. Whether you’re just starting out as a new puppy parent or were simply looking for some dog walking inspiration, you can make the most out of the tips in this blog! Remember, all dogs are different, so how much exercise they need can come down to their build and lifestyle. 

Here at Burgess Pet Care, you can find high-quality dog food recipes that have been formulated alongside vets and nutritionists. We’re a British, family-owned company and, whichever variety of dog food you choose, you can be sure of excellent quality and superior taste – from puppy to adult and senior. 

Have a read of our dog feeding guide, or get in touch with us for more information. We’re more than happy to help.