How often should I take my dog for a walk?

How often should I take my dog for a walk?

There are numerous reasons why it is important to walk your dog daily.  First and foremost, all dogs need exercise.  Most of us lead busy lives and our dogs are cooped up inside all day waiting on us to get home.  A short run around the back yard is not enough exercise for most dogs, especially some of the larger, more active breeds.  Walking your dog off of your property not only provides needed exercise, but, just as importantly it provides mental stimulation.  Dogs see different things on a walk down the road than they do in the back yard they visit multiple times a day.  This exercise and stimulation will make for a calmer, more confident and well behaved pet at home.  Ideally, dogs should be walked off the property for 10-20 minutes per day.  If you have a very active dog, twice a day is best.  Your dog will be happier and healthier for it!  So, go on, take that walk!  You might just benefit from it too!

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