How often and how much to walk the dog

Some owners get dogs, including in order to have a reason to regularly walk in the fresh air. And at first they really regularly walk their four-legged friends, especially in the warm season. But then it starts raining, cold, lazy, overslept for work… Motivation to walk the dog sharply declines, and the time spent with the pet on the street decreases. 

Photo: pixabay.com

Nevertheless, when getting a dog, you need to clearly understand that walking is not a whim of a dog and not a luxury, but a necessity. And the walk is complete. Lack of exercise is the cause of many behavioral problems. How often and for how long should you walk your dog for it to feel happy?

How many times a day should you walk your dog?

There is a myth that it is enough for a dog to walk once a day. But this, to put it mildly, is far from the truth. The minimum number of walks for an adult dog per day is two. Moreover, between walks should not take more than 12 hours. Forcing a dog to endure longer than 12 hours is akin to pet abuse.

It is best when feeding and walking are carried out at about the same time. The dog’s body is programmed in such a way that the dog begins to “want in a small way” five hours after feeding, and “in a big way” after 10 to 12 hours. This should be taken into account when planning a dog’s daily routine.

Another common myth is that small dogs do not need to walk, put a diaper on – and the pet is happy. In the end, they say, we do not force him to endure through force. If the owner is satisfied with this option, you can, of course, teach the dog to go to the toilet on a diaper. But this does not eliminate the need for walking! Small dogs have the same needs as large ones. Including the need to carry out species-typical behavior, study the world around and communicate with relatives.

Photo: flickr.com

Another myth common among residents of private homes: it is enough for a dog to run in the yard, and it is not at all necessary to take it for a walk. Let him say thank you that she is released from the enclosure or lowered from the chain. This is a delusion that costs animals dearly. Dogs living in a private home also need daily walks outside the territory entrusted to them, as well as dogs living in apartments. This allows them not only to explore the world around them, get new information and communicate with fellow relatives, but also strengthen contact with the owner.

Lack of walks or insufficient walks is the cause of many problems, both physiological (such as obesity and other health problems) and psychological, including destructive behavior.

How long does it take to walk the dog?

Another myth is that it is enough for a dog to walk around the yard for 15 minutes, and the debt of the owner can be considered fulfilled. This is not true.

How long should you walk your dog? Of course, this depends on the breed of dog, sex and age.

However, the minimum duration of walks with any healthy dog ​​should be two hours a day. And the minimum duration of the “toilet” walk is half an hour. It is this time that the dog needs to slowly empty both the intestines and the bladder completely. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult for the pet to wait for the next walking.

If your dog has health problems, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal frequency and duration of walks.

The intensity of walks is determined individually for each dog. For example, if an English bulldog prefers a measured step, then a beagle or husky is unlikely to be satisfied with such a leisurely walk without additional entertainment.

Photo: www.pxhere.com

Why don’t owners walk their dogs enough?

There are many reasons why owners restrict their dogs from walking. For example, a dog pulls on the leash in such a way that it tears off its arms, is aggressive towards passers-by or rushes at other dogs, chases cats and birds, chases cars, or is simply terribly afraid of the street.

However, the deprivation of walks, as well as their insufficient frequency or duration, only exacerbates such problems! The only acceptable way out in this case is to exercise with the dog so that you can safely walk with it for as long as necessary.

Another reason that can “prevent” walking the dog is bad weather. But dogs walk in any weather. If the pet is cold or refuses to walk in the rain, it may be worth considering suitable clothing that will protect the dog from bad weather. In extreme heat, it makes sense to shift the walking time to “early in the morning” and “late in the evening” or use cooling blankets for dogs.

By the way, an interesting study was conducted, as a result of which it turned out that residents of the UK walk their dogs more than Australians. But the weather in the UK is much worse! So it’s probably not the weather.

Why is it good to walk your dog?

The good news is that dog walks are not only good for your four-legged friends, but also for their owners. Regular exercise and communication with your pet can help you stay healthy and active longer. 

Studies also show that walking and interacting with dogs allows us to stay sane longer and maintain more social connections.

In addition, walking the dog can be a great family pastime and improve relationships between loved ones.

Photo: maxpixel.net

So, maybe you should take advantage of this amazing advantage and go for a long walk with the dog?