Taking your dog out for a walk every day is a non-negotiable, as it is essential that our furry friends are getting sufficient exercise while exploring and enjoying the outdoors. But, how long is enough time to allow pets to run wild outdoors? Many pet owners might decide on the timing of their dog walk based on a number of factors. If they’re getting a bit tired, it might be time to go home, or if they bump into a friend, their pup might be able to enjoy a little extra time outside.
However, the decision ultimately comes down to the owner. Dog experts have chimed in on the debate to give a final answer on how long dog owners should walk their four-legged friends.
Experts at The Kennel Club have answered frequently asked questions about walking your dog including how long you should do it for.
They said: “Every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two, given that in some circumstances, under veterinary advice, the dog should be rested.
“The Government recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and this is something that everybody can achieve – and go beyond – on a daily dog walk. The amount of exercise your dog needs will vary according to its breed, but every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two.”
The dog experts also said that it will be different for puppies and fully grown dogs. They explained that puppies need less ‘formal’ exercise and therefore long walks “can overtire them.”
The amount of exercise your dog can manage will vary between the breeds and the individual dog themselves. However, they did give a rule of thumb that can help determine how much exercise is needed.
According to The Kennel Club, the ideal amounts are “five minutes of formal exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown i.e., 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old and so on.
“As they become older, they’ll be able to cope with larger amounts of exercise,” they added.