How many miles is a dog allowed to walk?

The ideal is to walk a dog an average of three to four times a day. In the morning, afternoon, evening and before bed. In this blog, we explain how long walks are common. In doing so, we differentiate between dog breeds and dog ages. Finally, we zoom in on the differences between taking an outdoor walk and using a Dogmill.

How long is a dog allowed to walk?

In fact, there are no specific rules of thumb for how long a dog may walk. However, there is a known difference between dog ages. Puppies need much less exercise than adult dogs. This is because joint problems can develop relatively quickly at a young age. For a puppy, it is therefore advised to walk a small round four to five times a day.

The maximum total duration of daily walks with a puppy can be calculated. Here and there it is stated that you should use ten minutes per month of life. So for a two-month-old puppy, that means twenty minutes of walking per day. When your puppy is fully grown, you can take him for plenty of walks.

Assuming an adult dog in good health, an average of two hours of exercise per day is required. Daily exercise should consist of at least one long walk of (more than) one hour. It is important to keep active walking every day. This is good for your dog’s endurance, balance, brain function and coordination.

For a smaller dog, a long walk of half an hour to one hour is probably enough. Furthermore, a large dog with a high energy level is more likely to need an hour and a half walk. Sports dogs, on the other hand, can easily handle a two- to three-hour walk. If dogs get enough exercise, they will be a lot calmer indoors than if they are bored. This gives you as the owner a clear handle on things.

Once your dog gets older, it is important to keep the joints in good condition. This is to protect his muscle strength, but also to prevent obesity. It is responsible to take your senior dog for several short walks rather than a longer walk less frequently. A twenty-minute walk three times a day is a good starting point. Should your dog have joint problems, swimming is a good alternative to walking. This is because swimming is less stressful for the dog’s body.

Differences outdoor walk and use Dogmill

When you walk with your dog outside, he cannot really determine the speed and distance. At the time when your dog has energy left after a walk, this is difficult for an owner to read. You may also not always have the time to meet the desired energy requirements or the weather conditions may not cooperate. Partly for these reasons, a Dogmill is an excellent alternative to walking with your dog.

The Dogmill’s flat and bendable surface allows your dog to walk and/or run (extra) in a very safe and controlled way. Of course, using a treadmill does not provide the nature experience as it normally does. For example, there is less socialization with other dogs and your dog cannot do his needs. Nevertheless, Dogmills offer a lot of added value.

The beauty of a treadmill is that your dog can decide how long or how fast he wants to run. Once he has had enough, is exhausted or has fulfilled his energy needs, he can independently stop the dog treadmill. This can come in handy when you want to replace walks or if you want to offer your dog extra exercise.

Conclusion

Keeping the joints in shape is important for any dog. For puppies or old dogs, it is better to take shorter walks more often. Adult dogs, on the other hand, need more daily long walks. A small or large dog, active exercise is crucial for fitness and muscle strength. As an owner, this requires the necessary time and attention.

A Dogmill is a suitable, complementary tool to meet your dog’s energy needs at all times. Thus, with the help of a treadmill, your dog can enjoy an (extra) dose of enjoyable, responsible and challenging activities. Resulting in considerable time savings for you, the owner! Curious about how our dog treadmills work? Then please contact us.