How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?

Walks give your dog a chance to do their business, but they do so much more than that. Here’s why:

• Physical exercise: Walking helps your dog burn off excess energy, maintain a healthy weight, and keep their joints and muscles strong. 
• Mental stimulation: Sniffing, exploring, and encountering new sights and sounds keep your dog’s mind sharp and engaged, says Ali Smith, a professional dog trainer and founder of Rebarkable. 
• Bonding time: Walking together strengthens your relationship and builds trust between you and your dog. 
• Socialization and training: Walks offer great opportunities for your dog to practice leash manners and interact with other dogs and people. 
• Better behavior: Smith says regular walks help reduce boredom-induced behaviors, such as chewing, barking, or digging, by providing your dog with a healthy outlet for energy.  

Walking helps humans as much as our pets! Regular dog walks can reduce your stress, boost your mood, and increase daily physical activity. It’s a win-win for those on both ends of the leash. 

There’s no universal rule for how often you should walk your dog. In most cases, one or two walks a day (along with shorter outings or backyard time for potty breaks) is ideal, says Marc Smith, DVM, founder of Natchez Trace Veterinary Services in Nashville, Tennessee. 

For adult dogs, total daily exercise, including walking and outdoor playtime, usually ranges from 30 to 90 minutes. For puppies, Smith recommends using the “five-minute rule” as a general guideline—about five minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day. That said, every dog is different, so you’ll want to adjust based on their breed, energy level, and personality. 

While daily walks are best for most dogs, how often (and how long) you should walk your canine companion depends on several key factors, including: 

“Different breeds require different amounts of stimulation,” Dr. Smith says. “High-energy breeds, like Belgian Malinois or Border Collies, require more stimulation daily to stay mentally and physically balanced and healthy.” 

Other breeds, like English Bulldogs or Chow Chows, are more laid-back and typically don’t need as much exercise as more energetic breeds. 

Dr. Smith notes that brachycephalic breeds—those with short, flat faces, such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese—favor shorter, less frequent walks due to their breathing limitations and lower exercise tolerance. 

Smith says a puppy’s needs will look very different from those of a senior dog.  

Puppies usually need multiple short outings throughout the day for potty breaks and to burn off energy, while most adult dogs do well with one to two longer walks each day. 

Lastly, Dr. Smith says as your dog ages, walks may become slower and shorter than they used to be due to joint stiffness, arthritis, and declining energy.  

But, he adds that it’s still important to keep senior dogs moving (at a pace they can handle) to help maintain muscle mass and overall mobility.  

“Dogs with health conditions like arthritis or heart disease may require special exercise programs or have limitations,” Dr. Smith explains. “Your vet can help you decide how often, how much, and how long is best for your dog’s particular health situation.” 

In general, smaller dogs tend to tire out more quickly than larger dogs and may not require as much walking time to meet their exercise needs. After all, those short, little legs have to work a lot harder to keep up!  

Medium and large breeds often have more stamina and may require longer walks to burn off energy.  

Of course, there are always exceptions. Some small breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers, have seemingly endless energy, while some large dogs, like Great Danes, are total couch potatoes who aren’t fans of long walks.  

Instead of going by size alone, pay attention to your dog’s body language and unique energy level. 

Where you live makes a big difference in how much walking your dog might need. Dogs in apartments or homes without yards rely on walks or trips to dog parks for nearly all their physical activity and bathroom breaks.  

On the other hand, dogs with access to large, fenced-in yards may get more exercise during off-leash play and need fewer structured walks.  

Dr. Smith says it’s important to consider how much exercise your dog is used to. For example, if your dog hasn’t been very active lately, avoid jumping straight into long or intense walks.  

Instead, ease them back into a routine gradually, increasing duration and intensity over time. He explains that dogs can suffer from muscle strains, joint pain, and fatigue if they’re overexerted. So a slow, steady approach is the safest way to build endurance and keep them healthy. 

While daily walks are the default, there are times when it’s best to hit pause, including: 

• Extreme weather: Conditions like hot pavement, freezing temperatures, and storms, can make short and long walks risky. If safety is an issue, keep outdoor time short—just enough for a quick potty break. 
• Illness or recovery: Let your dog rest if they’re sick or healing from surgery. Always follow your vet’s guidance. 
• Senior or mobility issues: Older dogs may need occasional rest days. On those days, stick to short potty breaks and skip the longer walks.  
• After intense activity: Did your dog go on a big hike yesterday, and now seems a bit stiff or sore? They might need a recovery day with only short potty breaks. 
• Overstimulation or stress: Skip the walk if your dog is in a state of fear during or after travel, fireworks, or a vet visit.  

If you can’t fit in a walk or just want to add variety for extra stimulation, there are plenty of other ways to keep your dog active and mentally engaged. Just be sure they still get regular outdoor potty breaks. 

• Indoor play and enrichment toys: Interactive toys, (think tug-of-war ropes, puzzle toys, and treat toys) can provide mental stimulation and light exercise indoors. 

• Backyard play: A game of fetch in a fenced yard can be a great way to burn energy without leaving home. 
• Dog parks: Supervised off-leash play offers socialization and plenty of exercise. Just make sure your dog gets along well with other dogs. 
• Doggy daycare or dog walkers: If your schedule is tight, consider bringing your pup to a doggy daycare during the day or hiring a dog walker to make sure they get the attention and exercise they need. 

A good walk starts with being prepared. Here are a few must-haves to help keep things safe, comfy, and fun for both you and your pup: 

• Leash and harness: Use a sturdy leash (4–6 feet in length is ideal) with a well-fitted harness and collar with ID tags. 

• Poop bags: Always clean up after your dog to help keep your community clean and reduce the spread of illnesses that can be transmitted through feces. Use dog poop bags, like The Original Poop Bags, for a sanitary, hands-free way to pick up after your pup. 

• Protective footwear (for your dog): On hot days, pavement can burn your dog’s paw pads. Dog booties, like Bark Brite Dog Boots, provide a protective barrier while keeping their feet safe and comfortable. 

• Water and bowl: Bring water for your dog to drink during or after your walk, especially on hot days or longer outings. A portable dog water bottle, like the Highwave AutoDogMug, makes it easy to get your dog to drink water on the go. 

• Weather-appropriate gear: A dog jacket for cold weather or a cooling vest, such as the Frisco Summer Cooling Dog Vest (with UPF 45) in summer, can help protect your pup from the elements.  

• Dog treats: Small, high-value dog treats, such as Blue Buffalo Bits, are perfect to bring on walks. They’re great for training, reinforcing good leash manners, or encouraging your dog to return if off leash. A treat pouch like the PET N PET Dog Training Treat Pouch makes it easy to grab treats quickly while you’re on the move.

Q: Is it possible to walk your dog too much? 

A: Yes, it’s possible to walk your dog too much, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with health issues. “Over-exercising a dog can lead to inflammation, joint damage, or even heatstroke,” Dr. Smith says. Watch for signs like limping, lagging behind, or reluctance to walk. If in doubt, stop your walk and let your dog rest.  

Q: How long should walks be for puppies? 

A: A general rule of thumb is about five minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day. For example, for a two-month-old puppy, that’s about two, 10-minute walks daily. Always keep it low-impact and fun to protect growing joints. Check with your vet to ensure the routine is suitable for your pup’s age, breed, and development. 

Q: What if my dog refuses to walk? 

A: If your dog is suddenly refusing walks, it could be due to pain, fear, overstimulation, or a dislike of specific gear (like a harness). Never push or force them to walk, especially if they seem distressed. If the behavior persists, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.  

If your pup gets a clean bill of health, try using positive reinforcement, changing your walking route, or experimenting with different equipment to help them feel more at ease.