If you own a dog, then you know the joy of having companionship. But the best part about owning a dog is that they love you unconditionally and make your life more joyful than it could ever be without them.
Dogs need exercise, just like humans do. Going on a walk with your dog has many benefits. Including providing physical activity, reducing stress levels, and helping them stay mentally healthy! If you're wondering how often you should walk your dog, continue to read our article to find out.
How much exercise does a dog need?
Going on a walk with your dog is a great way to keep them physically active and allow them some fresh air. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs may need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. You should increase your walks per day if you’re living in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow, because it will be harder for your dog to get outside during these periods.
What your dogs needs
Dogs who are overweight need more exercise than their slimmer counterparts—but you should always monitor how much time your pet spends outside to make sure they aren’t getting too much physical activity. If you have an elderly or otherwise special-needs dog, it's even more important to ensure they stay well-exercised regularly.
You may need to take it a bit slower and avoid a long walk if they have health conditions. You can keep it to shorter walks, like a 15 minute walk or even a 30 minute walk.
Doggie daycare can also be an option
You can also take your dog to a doggie daycare center, allowing them to play with other dogs and humans. This is a great option for people working long hours or busy schedules. Your dog may be able to get their daily exercise while playing.
Other options to burn off energy
Other ways to keep your dog active and burn energy include playing fetch, teaching them new tricks, and taking them for regular long walks. Some owners have even been known to take their pets for runs or bike rides with them if they can keep up the pace.
"Do I need a dog walker to walk my dog?"
If you’re having trouble finding time to exercise your dog, then consider hiring a dog walker or trainer who can walk a dog properly. There are people who specialize in taking care of other people's pets and will be happy to help out. Try searching posts online to find someone who is trained to take your dog out on a potty break or create a walking schedule with a walker.
What age is a puppy ready to walk?
The answer to this question depends on your dog's breed and age. You should be able to take puppies out on a leash by 8 weeks old if they are healthy and have good socialization skills, but it's not uncommon for puppies to go later than this.
It is recommended that you wait until your puppy is at least 12 weeks old before starting to walk them outside of the house, as this can help with their coordination and confidence levels. This may mean that you will only begin taking them out in public around 3 months of age!
Bigger breeds or younger dogs
If you have a large dog breed or younger dogs, it may take even longer for them to be ready. It is important that you don't force your puppy into situations where they are uncomfortable, as this could lead to health problems later on down the road.
It is also important to note that puppies can't go on a long walk, as they will tire out quickly. Your puppy may only be able to handle short walks for about 15 minutes at first before needing breaks, so it's best to start slow and work your way up over time.
Getting adjusted to the leash
If you are new to taking your puppy out, then it's recommended that you start them off with short walks around the neighborhood. This will give them time to get used to being on a leash and also provides an opportunity for socialization. Try creating a walk schedule so they can understand the importance of potty breaks and knowing when the correct time to pee is.
Using an activity tracker while on walks
A great way to keep track of how much exercise and how much your dog has walked is by using an activity tracker. The Fi GPS and Activity collar has a great feature that will count your dog's steps during the day. It will also record when you walk your dog in the app. Each walk will contain the mileage and the amount of steps your dog took.
With the Fi, you can also set up step goals based on your dog's breed or what your vet says your dog needs for their physical health. The Fi also offers a strain score. The strain score is calculated from the steps your dog took. as well as the rest they are getting during the day.
Monitoring your dog's walking is a fun way to keep tabs on your dog's health. It is helpful to see how many times a day your dog has gone on potty breaks, or you can even share the walks with your vet if needed.
Essential commands your dog needs to know to help with walks
Come
This is an important command to have so that you can call your dog back to you when he's strayed too far or gotten into trouble.
Sit
This command is used when there are other people or animals around who might not be comfortable with a rambunctious puppy approaching them at full speed. It helps keep your dog calm and peaceful for everyone involved!
Stay
This command lets you put more distance between yourself and your dog if necessary, making sure he won't get away from you while crossing a busy street or dealing with another distracting animal (or person.)
Down
This command is used to make sure that your dog doesn't knock over any children or elderly people who may be nearby.
Patience is key!
Be patient when teaching your dog these commands. The best way to teach them is by using positive reinforcement techniques. Some dogs take longer to learn the basics than others, so it’s important to be patient.
The benefits of dog walks
Walking also benefits us spiritually as well as physically: A study published in Psychology Today found that walking outdoors was one of the most effective ways for an adult who felt depressed or anxious after experiencing stressful events (like job loss) to manage their symptoms successfully over time by increasing feelings of well-being.
The benefits of dog walking go beyond just physical health: It has been linked to increased self-esteem, stress relief, and reduced symptoms of depression. For example, a study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that people who own dogs but don't walk them regularly experience more stress than those who do take their dogs for walks frequently.
Improve your mental health
Going on walks with your dog improves your mental and emotional well-being, too. Spending quality time with your dog improves your relationship, strengthens your bond, and helps prevent annoying canine behaviors like whining or excessive barking.
Having a regular exercise buddy that’s always available makes your dog the perfect workout friend. Your dog’s only commitment is to you, so you’ll never have to worry about exercising alone. Don't forget that dogs like being outside just as much as you!
Walking your dog regularly increases their lifespan and is good for their health.
Dog walks regularly increase their lifespan and are good for their mental health. This includes older dogs. All dogs need even just a bit of exercise including senior dogs.
You'll be more likely to adopt healthier habits yourself. If you're trying to lose weight or eat healthy, taking your dog for regular walks every day is a great way to help keep yourself on track.
You'll have more energy. If you're going to work out, it's important to do so when you have the most energy possible. Walks with your dog daily will help get rid of some of your pent-up energy and make sure you don't feel sluggish during the rest of the day.
Conclusion
We hope we have convinced you to walk your dog more often! Remember that your dog is intelligent and sensitive and deserves the best care. By doing this regularly, you can ensure they live a long, healthy life and not just get bored and destructive in the house.
It’s also important that they are socialized with other dogs, so they don’t develop aggressive tendencies later on in life.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
Want to know more about TryFi.com? The Fi Dog Collar is a GPS tracking collar that not only keeps track of your dog’s location, activity levels, and sleep patterns, but it also alerts you if your dog escapes your backyard. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today!
