Just like us humans, exercise helps keep dogs in shape, but it is also really important for their mental health.

A daily walk is essential for all dogs, but unfortunately research (PDSA Animal Wellbeing report in 2019) showed that thousands of dogs in the UK are not being walked at all!

So, why is a daily walk essential for you dog?

It is essential that all dogs get a daily walk to keep them happy and healthy. Getting out and about keeps your dog’s brain active and is great stress relief for them. Dogs love to sniff and explore so make sure your dog has plenty of opportunity to just… well… be a dog!

Not getting enough exercise can cause health problems and also lead to behavioural problems. Obesity is an obvious one which causes dogs some discomfort, but being bored can also create a very unhappy dog. Common signs that your dog is frustrated are; chewing, barking, leaving poos and wees around the house and over-grooming (licking too much).

If your dog has any of these problems, more exercise may help them cope better, but if you are worried about their behaviour please speak to your vet for more advice.

 

What is the right amount of exercise for your dog?

How much exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, age, health and personality. The rough guide below indicates how much exercise each breed of dog needs. However, as we well know, every dog is an individual and may be different to other dogs of the same breed (i.e one may love long walks, while another prefers running and playtime).

If you’re unsure on how much exercise your dog needs, it is best to speak to your vet for advice.

Please note that this list is a rough guide for the total MINIMUM amount of exercise dog breeds need each day:

30 mins +
Bichon Frise
Yorkshire Terrier
Miniature Daschshund
King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Maltese
Papillon
Pekingese
Miniature Pinscher
Pomeranian

1 Hour +
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Border Terrier
Bull Terrier
Saint Bernard
Bassett Hound
Dogue de Bordeaux
Tibetan Terrier
West Highland Terrier
Whippet
Pug
Cairn Terrier
Cocker Spaniel
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature/Toy Poodle
Shetland Sheepdog
English Bull Dog
Shih Tzu
Lhasa Apso

2 Hour +
Siberian Husky
Golden Retriever
Samoyed
Alaskan Malamute
Border Collie
Boxer
Dalmation
English Springer Spaniel
German Sherpherd
Labrador Retriever
Weimaraner

You don’t have to do all the exercise at once! It is actually better to split it into several shorter sessions so your pooch doesn’t get too tired out.

Top Tips for Dog Walking:

1. Always allow your dog to have a good sniff around – this is important for their mental health.
2. Don’t throw sticks for your dog to chase – they can splinter and injure their mouth and throat.
3. Throwing balls – if you throw a ball, make sure it’s not small enough for your dog to swallow.
4. ‘Varied walking’ can be good for you and your dog – this is where you speed-walk for about 30 seconds, walk at normal pace for about a minute, then speed up again and so on. It’s a really good exercise for both of you and something you can do randomly throughout your walk.
5. Exercise as much as necessary – if your dog isn’t getting tired, or is still full of energy when you get home, they may need more exercise. If your dog is struggling, or refuses to go at all, you may need to cut back!
6. Try to vary your route – to keep your walks interesting and exciting.
7. Keep dogs on a lead in built-up areas – only let them off when you are absolutely sure it is safe. This ensures your dog isn’t a nuisance to others and protects it from traffic, litter and other hazards. It is also important to keep your dog on a lead around sheep and other livestock.
8. Identification – always make sure you dog is wearing a collar and tag and has their microchip details up to date with the database.
9. Seasonal walks – during the winter months you should also consider using high visibility jackets, hi-vis or LED collars and leads to be seen and keep safe. During the hot summer months you may need to walk your dog during the cooler hours.
10. Poo bags – always carry plenty of poo bags and dispose of them in appropriate bins.

Do you need a little help?

With hectic schedules and today’s on-the-go lifestyle, we understand how hard it can be to fit in the all the daily walks your dogs enjoy.

Each of our Pet Services is tailored to our customers’ individual needs, so if you have any specific requests or if your pet requires additional attention or medication our trustworthy, professional Dog Walkers are here to help!

Contact us today for more information: 01204 895 355

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Are you looking for a change of career?

If you’ve thought about running your own business, but are not sure where to start, we may have the perfect opportunity for the dog lover in you!

Our Dog Walking Franchises are suited to enthusiastic, sociable, dog-loving people who are looking for a flexible business that fits in with their lifestyle.

For more information on how you could start your own Dog Walking Business contact us today!

Georgie: 07738 848576

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