The general recommendation is to walk your dog at least once a day, with many sources suggesting 1 to 2 walks daily as a baseline for most dogs to maintain their physical and mental health
. The duration typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes per walk, depending on the dog's breed, age, energy level, and health
. More specifically:
- Puppies require shorter, more frequent walks-about 5 minutes per month of age, twice a day-to avoid overexertion
- High-energy or larger breeds often need more frequent or longer walks, sometimes 3 to 4 times a day, to burn off excess energy
- Smaller or lower-energy breeds may be fine with fewer or shorter walks, around 15 to 30 minutes once or twice daily
- Senior dogs or those with health issues may need shorter, gentler walks and more frequent potty breaks
- Dogs generally need potty breaks every 6-8 hours, which may translate to 3-4 outdoor trips daily, especially if they lack yard access
In summary, a typical healthy adult dog benefits from two walks per day, each lasting 15-30 minutes, but the exact frequency and duration should be tailored to your dog’s individual needs, breed, and health status. Consulting your veterinarian can help determine the best walking routine for your dog
