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Ideal Duration of Walks for Your Dog's Well-being

Walks are essential for your Dog's well-being. They help meet its physical, mental, and social needs. But how many walks are necessary each day?

Physical Needs

The frequency of walks largely depends on the breed, age, and health of the dog.

Puppies: They need 4 short outings per day (15-20 minutes) to relieve themselves and expend their energy.
Adult Dogs: On average, 2 walks totaling 1 to 2 hours per day are recommended to maintain their fitness.
Senior Dogs: With lower energy levels, 1 gentle walk per day is sufficient, depending on their physical ability.

Breed and Energy

The breed greatly influences exercise needs.

Very Active Breeds: Malinois or Jack Russell Terriers often require 2 hours of intense exercise per day, combining walks, runs, and games.
Sporting Breeds: Dalmatians or Weimaraners appreciate 1.5 hours of walking, ideally with jogging sessions or fetch games to expend their energy.
Moderately Active Breeds: Golden Retrievers or Beagles are satisfied with about 1 hour of activity, split between walking and social interaction.
Less Active Breeds: Pugs or Shih Tzus are content with 30 minutes per day, adapted to their tolerance for exertion.
Giant Breeds: Saint Bernards or Great Danes prefer gentle walks totaling about 1 hour, at a slow pace.
Nordic Breeds: Samoyeds or Alaskan Malamutes need 2 hours, often with specific activities like pulling or trekking.

Benefits of Walks

Walking your dog is not just about physical exercise. A well-designed walk also offers numerous benefits for its mental and emotional balance.

Mental Stimulation: Walks allow the dog to explore new environments, discover a variety of smells and objects. This activates its natural curiosity instinct and prevents boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Socialization: During walks, the dog can meet other dogs, people, and even animals of other species. These interactions strengthen its ability to adapt to different stimuli and reduce the risk of aggressive or fearful behavior.
Bond Reinforcement: The walk is a privileged moment between the dog and its owner. It fosters mutual trust, improves communication, and allows the emotional bond to be strengthened through positive interactions.
Stress Reduction: Outdoor activities and varied stimulations help reduce anxiety in sensitive or stressed dogs.
Learning and Obedience: Walks are also the ideal opportunity to work on basic education (leash walking, recall, simple commands) in an enriching setting.

Adapting Walks

Walks should be adjusted to environmental conditions to ensure your dog's comfort and safety.

Hot Climate: During periods of high heat, it is important to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Prefer walks early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Also, check the ground temperature (asphalt or sand) to avoid burning your dog's paw pads. Bring water to hydrate it regularly.
Cold Climate: In winter, some breeds, especially small breeds or those with short coats (like Chihuahuas or Whippets), can be sensitive to the cold. Protect them with a suitable coat. Limit the duration of outings if temperatures are very low or if the snow freezes the paw pads. Also, inspect their paws after walks to remove any de-icing salt or ice.
Rainy Conditions: Some breeds do not like rain, but this should not prevent walks. Use a dog raincoat and dry it thoroughly when you return. Walks can be shortened, but do not skip them entirely.
Windy Conditions: Strong wind can frighten some dogs, especially smaller ones. Avoid exposed areas, such as beaches, and prefer protected routes (forests or quiet streets).
Urban Areas: In large cities, sidewalks can become dangerous in winter due to salt or chemicals. Consider protective booties for extended walks.

How to Make the Most of Your Dog's Walk Time?

Walks should not be seen only as a necessary moment to allow your dog to expend energy. They are also an opportunity to strengthen your bond, explore together, and offer your dog an enriching experience.

Strengthen the bond with your dog: Walks are a privileged moment to spend time with your dog, away from daily distractions. It's an excellent opportunity to strengthen your relationship by giving it your full attention. Take advantage of it to observe its behavior, its reactions to different stimuli, and to interact positively.
Mentally stimulate your dog: Walks can be an ideal moment to stimulate your dog's mind. Vary the routes, allow it to discover new smells, and let it explore new environments. You can also introduce observation or search games, such as hiding treats for it to find.
Socialization and interactions: Walks are also an excellent moment for socializing your dog. Meeting other dogs, people, or even animals on the street helps it better adapt to various social situations. However, ensure these interactions remain positive and controlled to avoid any stress or undesirable behavior.
Training during the walk: Take advantage of the walk time to work on obedience and reinforce certain behaviors. You can, for example, practice simple commands like "sit", "stay", "come", or even introduce heel walking exercises. These little training sessions in nature are both pleasant and beneficial for your dog.
Moments of relaxation and pleasure: Walks should not be solely focused on exercise. Also, take the time to relax with your dog. You can take a break, sit together on a bench, or simply enjoy a moment of calm outdoors. This can be a good opportunity to strengthen trust and complicity between you.
Adapt walks to your dog's specific needs: Each dog has different needs, depending on its breed, age, or physical condition. It is important to adapt the pace and duration of walks to these specifics. If your dog is a young puppy, plan shorter but more frequent walks, and if your dog is senior or has mobility issues, prefer gentler and shorter outings.

In Conclusion

As an owner, it is essential to adapt the frequency and duration of walks to your dog's specific needs, considering its breed, age, energy level, and health status. Each dog is unique and may have varying needs: some will need long, active walks, while others will be satisfied with shorter, calmer outings.

Carefully observe your dog's behavior after each walk. A well-exercised dog, with walks adapted to its needs, will generally be calm, happy, balanced, and healthy. Conversely, a dog that does not receive enough exercise may become nervous, destructive, or show signs of discomfort.

By meeting its physical, mental, and emotional needs, you contribute to its fulfillment and strengthen the bond of complicity you share. These walking moments are not just an opportunity to let it expend energy, but also to strengthen your relationship and ensure its overall well-being.

Remember that regular and adapted walks are a key element for a healthy and harmonious life for your dog. Take the time to adjust to its needs and offer it the best conditions to fully thrive.