It’s important for dogs to get daily exercise. In fact, a lot of us get dogs to make sure we exercise more But as life sometimes interferes, going for a walk with the dog becomes less important.
We get it. Walking a dog requires a significant time commitment, especially if its activity level is set to overdrive.
It’s all too common to believe that your dog exercises a lot by playing in the backyard. But if you installed a dog camera or an activity monitor on him, you might be shocked and appalled to discover that he’s just as much of a couch potato as you are when you aren’t around to encourage him to get up and move around.
You’re not the only one who worries about how much exercise your dog gets. However, while walks may be the most popular form of exercise and outdoor entertainment for dogs, they are not the only option, and they are not required to take place every day.
You won’t be at the top of the “Top 10 Most Wanted Bad Dog Owners” list for occasionally skipping a walk. While going for a walk gives your dog both mental and physical stimulation, it’s not the only way to exercise him. Here are six strategies to get your dog moving when work or unfavorable weather (hot, cold, or wet) prevent a walk.
–Fetch. This traditional game can be played in the backyard with your dog. Until your arm is fatigued, toss a ball, flying disc, or other toy.
–Hall pass. Small dogs can have fun chasing a ball down the hallway, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terriers—ideal for rainy days.
–Brain games. Put some kibble in a puzzle toy and let your dog “hunt” for dinner. Make sure it’s not too difficult for him at first if this is a new activity.
–Training challenge. Perform all of your dog’s tricks, including sits, downs, stays, comes, spins, and more. He gets in some activity and practices his good behavior. The practice is good for you, too.
–Play a hide-and-seek game. Give your dog the opportunity to find treats you’ve hidden around the house. Or have him go find your kids or your spouse. If he has received training in the sport of nose work, playing at home both inside and outside is simple.
–Go someplace new. Visit that neighborhood park you haven’t been to in a while, or peek into someone else’s yard using the canine equivalent of AirBNB: www sniffspot. com. It provides private spaces that can be rented out by the hour, ranging from simple backyards to locations with pools to expansive acreages with lakes or hiking trails for off-leash play and the enrichment value of novel sights and smells. It’s an alternative to think about if you don’t have a yard or don’t want to risk your dog running into unwelcome dogs at a dog park.
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Debbie Martin, LVT, a behaviorist veterinary technician, or Kenneth Martin
The manager of content for Fear Free Pets is Elite Fear Free Certified Professional Kim Campbell Thornton. She has been writing since 1985 and has won numerous accolades from the Cat Writers Association, Dog Writers Association of America, and American Society of Journalists and Authors for her work on dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life. She participates in nose work competitions with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Harper and Keeper, when she’s not writing or editing.
–Brain games. Put some kibble in a puzzle toy and let your dog “hunt” for dinner. Make sure it’s not too difficult for him at first if this is a new activity.
–Go someplace new. Try out that neighborhood park you don’t visit very frequently or check out someone else’s yard through the canine version of AirBNB: www.sniffspot.com. It offers private spaces for hourly rental, ranging from basic backyards to places with pools to large acreages with lakes or hiking trails for off-leash play and the enrichment value of new sights and smells. If you don’t have a yard or you don’t want to run the risk of your dog encountering unfriendly canines at a dog park, it’s an alternative to consider.
–Training challenge. Perform all of your dog’s tricks, including sits, downs, stays, comes, spins, and more. He gets in some activity and practices his good behavior. The practice is good for you, too.
The manager of content for Fear Free Pets is Elite Fear Free Certified Professional Kim Campbell Thornton. She has been writing since 1985 and has won numerous accolades from the Cat Writers Association, Dog Writers Association of America, and American Society of Journalists and Authors for her work on dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life. She participates in nose work competitions with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Harper and Keeper, when she’s not writing or editing.
We get it. Walking a dog requires a significant time commitment, especially if its activity level is set to overdrive.
FAQ
Is it OK not to walk your dog everyday?
The majority of dogs adore them, and they can make a wonderful addition to our day. Having said that, going for a walk each day is not required. Many dog owners believe that skipping their dogs’ daily walks is a sign of failure. In actuality, your dog usually has nothing to worry about, and occasionally, they need it the most.
How many times a day should you walk a small dog?
Generally speaking, it’s advised to take your dog on at least 15-minute walks three to four times per day.
Is it OK to walk a dog only once a day?
The American Kennel Club states that some dogs may only require a single walk per day, while others may require up to three. Golden retrievers and doberman pinschers are two examples of working and sporting dogs that require a lot of daily activity and exercise. According to the AKC, toy breeds like pekingese are much calmer.
How far should a small dog walk a day?
A small dog needs to spend about 30 minutes per day outside to stay healthy. You can break this time into two 15 minute walks. For health and weight management, your small dog needs daily walks. But moderation is key because too much of a good thing can be harmful.