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As a dog parent, you probably know that walking is an important part of your pup’s health and well-being. However, you may not know how often you should walk your dog—or whether, with a yard and plenty of play time, a daily walk is even necessary.
To get an answer, we sought the advice of two experts. Dr. Nell Ostermeier is a veterinarian, the founder of People + Pet Integrative Therapies, and a spokesperson and veterinary expert for Figo Pet Insurance. Nicole Ellis is an LA-based Certified Professional Dog Trainer who trains pups for both real life and the movies.
Together, they offered insight into the factors that might play a role in your dog’s walking needs—plus, why walking can be great for both you and your dog.
How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?
According to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, how often you should leash up your pup and head out the door can vary depending on the dog—but you can start with a baseline like this:
- Two 15-30 minute walks for adult dogs
- Five minutes of walking per month of age, at least twice a day for puppies (not counting potty breaks)
That might not seem like much exercise for a puppy, but it’s important not to overdo it. Puppies’ growth plates have yet to close, and too much exercise can lead to injury, especially in large breeds.
How much do most people walk their dog?
If you haven’t been walking your pup quite enough, you’re in good company. On average, studies suggest that Americans walk their dog nine times a week, and each walk lasts approximately 34 minutes.
In the UK, the number of weekly dog walks drops to six, though their sessions last longer on average, at 48 minutes per session.
Studies in Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world have been limited, but several countries take walking very seriously. As of 2020, German dog owners are required by law to walk their dogs at least two times per day.
Do you have to walk your dog every day?
Pet parents should plan on walking their dog daily—but in a rare emergency or dangerous weather, it can be okay to skip a day. You’ll want to make sure you’re still fitting in regular potty breaks, and it’s a good idea to supplement with indoor activities that offer physical and mental stimulation.
If your dog is injured or recovering from surgery or illness, it may also okay to skip walks for a while—but it’s important to follow your vet’s advice for recovery.
Factors That Impact Walking Needs
“The amount of time spent on walks will depend on many factors,” explains Dr. Ostermeier. They include your dog’s:
- Energy level
- Breed
- Size
- Age
- Medical history
For example, a senior dog with arthritis may only be able to physically handle a five minute walk once or twice a day. Healthy adult working dogs, on the other hand, may need a one-hour walk, including a training session, to keep their brain stimulated. Small dogs don’t need to go as far as large pups, and some dogs’ medical history may make shorter walks ideal.
Here are signs that can help you decide whether your adult dog needs more walks—or fewer.
Signs your dog needs more or longer walks:
- Your vet recommends they lose some weight
- Increase in destructive behavior, like chewing or shredding furniture and other household items
- Excess energy or inability to settle after walks
- Indoor urination, without a medical cause
Signs your dog needs shorter walks or alternative exercise:
- Uneven gait
- Stiff movements, which may suggest soreness or overexercise
- Lethargy, or a lack of energy
- Reactivity or signs of stress when outside
If your dog is displaying signs that they need shorter walks, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to rule out health problems. Your vet can also offer more guidance on a good amount of exercise for your dog based on their unique profile.
Which breeds need walks more often?
Your dog’s breed can play a significant role in how many walks they need. High-energy dog breeds usually need more mental and physical stimulation and may benefit from more frequent exercise. Less-active dog breeds may be fine with just one or two shorter walks per day.
Of course, every dog is different, so be sure to stay flexible with your pup and find a routine that works for them.
| Dog breeds that may need more walks: | Dog breeds that may require fewer walks: |
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Different Types of Dog Walk
A walk is a walk, right? Probably not to your pup. Some walks provide more exercise value or more mental stimulation than other kinds of walks. That can impact how long it takes to meet your pup’s needs, or how many you need to schedule per day.
Letting your dog sniff to their heart’s content, for example, is known as a decompression walk. Sniffing is mentally stimulating and can help decrease a dog’s anxiety and stress. This type of walking can sometimes be healthier for tiring out your pup than a long, intense stroll.
Then there are the opposite: quick potty walks. Dogs need to do their business several times a day—at least three to five times, as a general rule. You’ll want to leash up every four to six hours, with a few more outings for puppies or senior dogs.
These are the different types of dog walks, plus what they offer pups.
| Type of Walk | Benefits & Purpose | Exercise |
| Training | Training walks might not be long, but they’re often more mentally intense than your standard walk. The focus of these walks is on good behaviors like heeling, recall, and “leave it.” | Medium |
| Sniffing | Sniffing or “decompression” walks are hugely mentally stimulating. Typically very slow, they may not go very far—but they can be hugely helpful for anxious or destructive pups. | Low |
| Power | Power walks are intentional, fitness-focused walks intended to stretch your pup’s legs and build muscle. They’re typically fast-paced, allowing you to cover more ground quickly. | High |
| Socialization | Whether your walk reunites your pup with his buddies or introduces him to someone new, socialization walks are key to help your pup become familiar or bond with old and new friends. | Low |
| New Places | A “new places” walk is mentally stimulating—and it breaks up the monotony of walking. Add value to your walk by taking your pup through a new neighborhood or in a different direction. | Medium |
| Hiking | Hiking over uneven terrain is great for your dog’s muscles and their curiosity. Hiking through the wilderness is a great way to change the landscape and use different muscle groups. | High |
Can Other Exercise Take the Place of a Walk?
When life gets busy, even a 15-minute walk can feel like a big commitment. You might wonder if a quick romp around the yard can take the place of a walk.
The short answer is no. As Dr. Ostermeier explains, play and walks are important to your pup’s health.
Walks are a sustained form of exercise—they’re cardio for pups. But play is typically experienced more in bursts, with a variety of intensity (think high-intensity interval training).
Running around the yard, playing tug-of-war, ruffling through a snuffle mat, and walks all use different parts of your dog’s body and brain. Just like with humans, a variety of exercises ensure your pup is getting a well-rounded fitness experience.
If you’re having trouble getting your dog out for walks, consider calling on a friend, neighbor, or trusty dog walker to help you meet your pup’s exercise needs.
What’s the Best Time To Walk a Dog?
Some dogs have strong preferences about getting up and out for a walk. Others might be more flexible. To time your walks best, use the following guidelines.
Wait an hour after meals for serious exercise. “If you are doing any form of exercise with your dog, you should wait at least one hour after a meal,” says Dr. Ostermeier. “Especially to prevent bloat in larger breed dogs. For situations where a leash walk is needed for your dog to go potty, a short walk around the block is fine after a meal.”
Find the ideal temperature. Ellis notes if you live in a hot climate, you may want to aim for an early morning or evening walk, when the heat is less intense. In the winter, cold-averse pups may appreciate mid-day walks when the temperature is mildest.
Adjust for the hustle and bustle. If your dog is reactive on walks—for instance, if they bark and lunge at other dogs—walking when your neighborhood is quieter can help you both, according to Ellis. On the other hand, if your dog is super social or you’re trying to socialize your puppy, pick times when your neighborhood is more bustling.
Keep your dog on a consistent schedule. Dogs thrive on routine. “I generally like to do a walk in the morning, and then maybe a nice long one at night before we go to bed and settle down. That gives them a nice time to relax and decompress from the day,” Ellis says.
When Weather Should Cancel a Walk
For the most part, weather shouldn’t stop you from walking your dog. After all, with the right gear and preparation, you can walk your pup in most climates. But there are a few that should cancel outings.
Do go for a walk in…
Rain. “Consider getting a raincoat for your dog,” says Dr. Ostermaier. “It will keep them dry and warm and has the extra benefit of returning home without a soaking wet dog.” She also recommends keeping a towel handy so you can dry your pup’s paws when you get back home. A paw cleaner can help too.
Snow. If you live in a cold climate, invest in a warm jacket and booties. Booties can also help to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, making them just as crucial in hot weather areas.
Don’t go for a walk in…
Extreme cold and heat. Limiting your walks on extremely hot or cold days can help keep your dog safe and healthy. That typically means temperatures above 90º or below freezing, but more sensitive dogs may need to skip outings sooner.
Smoke. When the air quality isn’t safe, it’s important to keep activities indoors as much as possible.
Storms. It isn’t a good idea for either you or your pup to go for a jaunt when there’s lightning or high winds.
What to do if you can’t walk
Thankfully, you have options to help your pup burn off some mental and physical energy indoors. Our dog training expert Ellis recommends the following indoor activities until the weather clears.
- Walk your dog with their harness and leash inside the house. This offers the opportunity to practice training and heeling while also incorporating movement.
- Try puzzle toys, treat balls, and KONGs for mental enrichment.
- Set up an agility course in your home. You could use household items like boxes, couch cushions, or buckets as obstacles.
- Sign up for online classes or watch videos to learn new tricks you can teach you dog.
- Play stimulating games with your puppy.
Of course, one or two missed days aren’t the end of the world. Just make sure you grab the leash and head out the door as soon as you can—your pup will probably thank you.
