How Often Does Your Dog Really Need to Be Walked?

Wondering if your dog is getting enough exercise during the day? There is no single walking schedule that works for every dog. Age, breed, energy level, health, and daily routine all play a role.

What Might the Right Walking Schedule Look Like for Your Dog?

While every dog is different, here are a few starting points to consider:

Puppies: Puppies often benefit from more frequent potty breaks and activity throughout the day. We recommend two 30 minute visits per day, typically one in the late morning and another in the late afternoon, depending on your work schedule. This provides regular potty breaks, exercise, playtime, enrichment, and attention while helping establish a consistent routine. If you work away from home on a regular schedule, recurring visits can make sure your puppy gets dependable care throughout the day.

Senior or Lower Energy Dogs: A 30 minute visit may provide plenty of time for a comfortable walk, potty break, fresh water, and companionship. Some senior dogs may benefit more from frequent shorter visits than one long walk, especially if they need additional potty breaks during the day.

Moderately Active Adult Dogs: A 45 minute visit provides additional time for exercise and enrichment while still fitting comfortably into the middle of the day. This can be a good option for dogs that enjoy a longer walk but do not necessarily need a full hour of activity.

High Energy Dogs: A 60 minute visit provides more time for walking, exploring, sniffing, and enrichment. For dogs with higher exercise needs, a longer midday visit can help break up the day and provide an outlet for some of that energy.

Dogs Home Alone During a Full Workday: Consider how long your dog will be alone between morning and evening. A recurring 30, 45, or 60 minute midday visit can provide a dependable break on the days you regularly work away from home. Dogs with higher energy levels or longer stretches alone may benefit from a 45 or 60 minute visit.

Hybrid or Changing Work Schedules: You may not need a dog walker every weekday. If you know you are consistently in the office on certain days, a recurring schedule on those days can provide a reliable routine. If your schedule changes week to week, on-demand dog walking may give you more flexibility.

Occasionally Busy Days: Even if you are normally home, appointments, meetings, day trips, and unexpected long days happen. On-demand visits can provide extra support when you know you will not be able to give your dog their normal walk or midday break.

You can also combine the two. For example, you might schedule recurring 45 minute walks every Tuesday and Thursday when you are regularly in the office, then request additional on-demand visits when an especially busy Monday or Friday comes up.

There is no perfect number of minutes or visits that applies to every dog. Think about your dog’s energy level, how long they will be home alone, their normal potty schedule, and how much activity they receive before and after your workday.

If your dog could use some extra daytime support, we would love to help.

Reach out to get started. (561) 222-1753

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