Should I Walk My Dog Every Day?
Every dog owner has a duty of care to ensure that their dog or dogs are exercised every day. The amount of exercise will depend on the age of the puppy/dog (see below for more guidance on puppy ages and exercise lengths) as well as the breed of the older dog, as some breeds may require more exercise than others. It is important when choosing the dog that you chose a breed that is aligned to your activity levels. For instance, if you enjoy hiking for hours, you will need a breed that enjoys this level of exercise. If you enjoy a 30-60 minute park walk a day, then the breed of dog you would chose may be different to the first scenario.
Dog walking is a great way of getting out the house, getting fresh air and enjoying time with your dog and/or the family.
Its also a great way of getting in those 'steps' and helping to lead a more healthy lifestyle. It has been scientifically proven that walking your dog for a least 30 minutes a day can also help to lower blood pressure, as well as help with cardiovascular development, strengthening of muscles and bones. It is also considered a low impact form of exercise, so you don't have to be super fit!
Plus don't forget dog walking is free - it is just your time, and what better way to spend your free time that with your dog :)
Key Things to Remember
Always make sure that when you take your dog out for a walk that:
The collar and lead fit correctly
You have an ID Tag on the collar
You have poo bags and know how to pick up your dogs poo and dispose of correctly
If you are letting your dog off the leash that you have a recall. IF your dog does not come back when called, then please do not let them off the leash until you have a good recall (we can help with this if needed)
If you are training your dog whilst out on the walk - you have in your pockets, the high value reward for your dog (treats/toys etc)
Enjoy the time that you are spending with your dog, its a great way to de-stress at the end or beginning of the day.
How long should I walk my Puppy?
One of the key considerations when you have your puppy is to ensure that you don't over exercise them to start with. That doesn't mean no exercise, or just a run around in the garden - but it does mean that for the first 6-12 months that you may have to adjust the amount of time that you are able to go walking with your dog. We also recommend that with a puppy you try and take them to as many different places as possible to get them well socialised and used to different places, noises and smells! Please take note of the guidelines below for how long your puppy should be walking according to age.
As a rule, we guide our clients that a good ratio to understand how long to walk your puppy is five minute of exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown.
This would mean that for a 3 month old puppy, that would be 15 minutes twice a day. For a 4 month old puppy, 20 minutes twice a day and so on.
Once your puppy is fully grown, then you can go out for much longer walks together.
Unfortunately if you continually over exercise a growing puppy this can lead to damage in the joints, which may cause early arthritis, or other joint/bone issues. If you have any concerns about your dogs health, please reach out to your dogs vet in the first instance for a health check
Another point which is key for puppies is to not allow them in the earlier months to jump on/off of furniture or run up/down stairs etc as this can also lead to joint damage etc as mentioned above. We advise to monitor your puppy and re-direct their attention to something more 'fun' such as game with you vs. allowing 'zooms' which may also include the launching on/off of the furniture.
Ensuring a Safe Environment
It is really important that your puppy/dog does go out for exercise every day (even in the rain!) and that this is a safe and secure area. Failure to meet your dogs needs tends to result in unwanted behaviours, whereby your puppy/dog makes their own 'games' which are fun for them, but not so much for you!
Whilst time spent exploring your garden is great fun, there is no substitute for taking your dog/puppy to new environments and socialising with other dogs.
Unless your dog has a recall, and will immediately come back when called - we do not recommend letting your puppy off their leash in a new environment. This is both for their safety and the fact that we do not want to inadvertently teach your puppy to 'ignore' their name when being called.
Another consideration is that we would not advise to exercise your dog/puppy immediately after eating, as exercising your dog on a full stomach may lead to bloat.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you found this blog post helpful.
If you would like more information about our puppy classes, puppy pre-school or general family obedience training - please do not hesitate to reach out.
Enjoy your puppy and Happy Training!
We love the articles that you write so easy to understand as well as some great guidance for free 😉 Thank you