How Often Should Your Dog Go Outside on Average?
Active dogs need more exercise and mental stimulation than calmer breeds. Puppies and senior dogs require extra attention and adjustments to their routine. Below is an overview by type of dog.
Puppies (up to 12 months)
Puppies need to go outside frequently. Their bladder is still small and they are learning toilet training. Taking them out at the right times helps prevent accidents in the house and supports calm, consistent house training.
How Often Should a Puppy Go Outside?
During the first few months, it is recommended to take your puppy outside every 2 to 3 hours. This includes moments such as:
- Early in the morning, immediately after waking up
- After every meal
- After sleeping or resting
- After playtime or busy moments in the house
- Before bedtime
In practice, this means around 6 to 10 outings per day, depending on age and breed. Younger puppies between 8 and 12 weeks need to go out more often than a puppy of 6 months, for example. As your puppy grows and gains better bladder control, you can gradually reduce the number of outings.
How Long Should You Walk a Puppy?
Walks do not need to be long at first. In fact, short walks of 5 to 10 minutes are enough in the beginning. Your puppy is still growing and too much exercise can put strain on developing joints. Avoid running, stairs, cycling or jumping at this stage.
A useful guideline is around 5 minutes per month of age per walk. So a 3 month old puppy should ideally walk no more than 15 minutes at a time. Several short walks spread throughout the day are better than one long walk.
The Importance of Routine
A regular walking schedule gives your puppy structure and confidence. Choose fixed times during the day so your puppy learns what to expect. Reward them immediately when they wee or poo outside, for example with soft training treats or verbal praise.
An accident indoors? Do not punish them. Simply clean it up calmly and make sure to take your puppy outside in time next time. Make sure you clean up out of sight so your puppy does not see it as attention or play.
These first steps are also important for socialisation. Your puppy gets to know the outside world, including sounds, smells, people and other animals. Introduce new impressions gradually and give your puppy time to adjust. Sniffing, looking around and observing is often exciting and tiring enough at this stage.
Please note
Young puppies are not yet fully vaccinated, so avoid busy dog areas at first, such as off lead parks or dog toilet areas.
Adult Dog
Adult dogs have more stamina than puppies, but they still need regular exercise, routine and mental stimulation.
How Often Should an Adult Dog Go Outside?
A healthy adult dog between 1 and 7 years old needs on average 3 to 5 outings per day. This ensures they have the opportunity not only to wee and poo, but also to get sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Always consider your dog’s breed and personality.
How Long Should You Walk an Adult Dog?
A walking routine can consist of one longer walk per day of 30 minutes to one hour, combined with 2 to 4 shorter outings of 5 to 15 minutes. The longer walk is when your dog can properly unwind, burn off energy and process new stimuli. The shorter outings are important for regular toilet breaks, sniffing and stretching their legs.
Active dogs such as Border Collies, Labradors or Malinois generally need more physical and mental challenges. For them, one long walk may not be enough. They often benefit from additional exercise, scent work, fetch games or other activities such as cycling or dog sports.
Calmer breeds or smaller dogs, such as a French Bulldog, often have less stamina and are usually content with shorter but regular walks. They still need structure and opportunities to sniff, although the pace and distance are often lower.
What Should You Take With You on a Walk?
Good preparation makes every walk more pleasant and safer. Consider bringing:
Planning to walk your dog somewhere else, such as in the woods, on the beach or in an off lead area? Make sure you also have safe transport solutions in your car.
Senior Dog
Even as dogs get older, regular time outside remains essential. Exercise helps keep joints flexible, supports digestion and reduces stiffness. Walking also provides mental stimulation, which remains important in later life.
How Often Should a Senior Dog Go Outside?
A senior dog needs on average at least 3 walks per day. These walks may be shorter, but preferably slightly more frequent throughout the day. Consistency is more important than distance. Short, calm outings help your dog stay mobile without overexertion.
How Long Should You Walk a Senior Dog?
Most older dogs do well with several short walks of 10 to 20 minutes at a time. The pace is slower than with younger dogs, and that is perfectly fine.
For dogs with joint problems, short and frequent walks are best. Five short outings are preferable to one long one. Always stay within your dog’s limits. You may support them with a joint supplement if needed. Dogs with reduced vision or hearing often feel safer on familiar walking routes and in calm environments with fewer stimuli.
Pay attention to changes in behaviour or health. If your dog suddenly shows less interest in walking, becomes tired more quickly or needs to urinate more often, contact your vet.
Do you still have questions about walking your dog? Please contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.
