How often should you walk your dog?

What the experts say

There is no single agreed figure, and it helps to know that before you go looking for one.

• The PDSA says most dogs need at least one or two walks a day unless a vet says otherwise. It adds that some breeds need a minimum of one to two hours of exercise a day, and working breeds more.
• PetMD says most dogs in good body condition can manage a daily walk of 20 to 30 minutes, with at least 10 to 15 minutes of continuous activity every day as a floor. Very fit dogs can go for up to two hours.
• VCA Animal Hospitals suggests walking for a total of 30 minutes each day, and notes it does not have to be in one outing.
• The American Kennel Club gives no minutes at all. It says the answer varies from dog to dog and depends on age, health and breed.

Put together, that is one or two walks a day, with something like 30 minutes as a floor for a healthy adult and a ceiling that depends on what the dog was bred to do.

By energy level

Breed is the best first guide. As a rough picture, these are the adult ranges Zoomies starts from. They follow the general shape of kennel club guidance and are a starting point, not a prescription.

• Easygoing breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs. About 30 to 45 minutes a day, taken gently.
• Moderate breeds such as Cavoodles and Cavaliers. About 45 to 75 minutes a day.
• Active breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers. About 75 to 105 minutes a day.
• Very active breeds such as Border Collies and Kelpies. About 105 to 135 minutes a day or more, with running and brain work in the mix.

Find the figure for your own dog in the breed exercise guides.

Puppies

Puppies need short outings, often, and plenty of rest. The AKC says several brief walks are a safer choice than one long one. The PDSA advises avoiding long walks and running until a puppy is fully grown, which in large breeds can take 18 months to 2 years.

You will often hear a rule of five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. It is a widely used rule of thumb, and the PDSA points out that there is no scientific evidence behind it. Treat it as a cautious upper limit and not as a target to hit, and let your puppy rest whenever it wants to. This is why Zoomies gives puppies a daily limit and not a goal.

Senior dogs

Older dogs should keep walking. The PDSA advice is to keep exercise regular and gentle. Little and often is best, on shorter and flatter routes, at the dog's own pace. Three ten minute potters can suit an old dog better than one half hour march.

One long walk or several short ones?

Either works for a healthy adult. Two walks have some advantages. They break up the day, give two toilet breaks, and are kinder to puppies, seniors and flat-faced dogs. If your day only allows one outing, make it a good one and add some play at home.

When to do less

• In the heat. A UK study of more than 900,000 dogs found that exercise triggered 74% of heat-related illness cases, far more than hot cars. Walk early or late on warm days.
• Flat-faced breeds. They overheat more easily, so keep walks short and cool.
• Overweight or unfit dogs. Build up gradually, as you would yourself.
• After illness or injury. Follow your vet's advice.

Signs you have the amount right

A dog that has had enough comes home relaxed and settles. A dog that needs more is restless, pesters you or invents its own entertainment. A dog that has had too much may slow down partway through the walk, limp, or sleep for hours afterwards, according to PetMD.

Walking is not the only thing that counts. Fetch, swimming, play and training all add to the day. See is walking enough exercise for a dog and the best exercise for dogs.

What most owners do

For comparison, the PDSA's 2025 survey found that 43% of UK dog owners walk their dog more than once a day and 32% once a day. For length, 40% walk for 31 to 60 minutes a day and 38% for 30 minutes or less.