How often do I need to walk my dog?

Question

I admit I am slack with this. He is 130 pounds and I take him to run once a week. What should it be?

Answer 1

Once a week is definately not enough, especially for a dog that big! I have two small dogs, both under 20lbs each and we walk at least a couple of miles a day!
Taking care of a dog is a huge responsibility, and making sure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise is one of the most important things as far as taking care of the dog!
My neighbors have two dogs, a weimaraner (who spends half his day locked up inside and the other half chained up in the back yard on a chain that isn't even long enough for a small dog to move around on) and a boxer (who I hardly ever see out). I feel so sorry for these two dogs and it breaks my heart to see these people treat their dogs like this. Those are both large breed dogs with a lot of energy. They should be getting at LEAST one hour of exercise a day. Probably around two hours a day.
I'm sorry if sound pretty harsh, but I am tired of seeing people that have dogs that are too lazy to take care of them. Yeah you feed the dog, but just feeding a dog isn't truely taking care of that dog. You need to get off your A** and spend some time with your dog on a walk.
Read "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan the Dog Whisperer!

Answer 2

Ideally, this dog needs to go out twice each and every day. One walk should be a good long hour long one, the other could be only 1/2 an hour. But if this dog is out of condition from not getting necessary exercise, you need to build up his tolerance just like a person would. Keep an eye on him for signs of fatigue. This dog really needs the exercise to keep his heart healthy, especially given his size.

Answer 3

It depends on whether your dog runs loose in your yard. If he is content doing his business in the back yard then I would still walk him twice/day for at least 20 minutes each. Although I have a fenced in 1/2 acre yard, my dog will not do his business there. He will only relieve himself when walked on a leash off of our property! He is 18 pounds and when he lets me know he needs a walk I never ignore it because's never faked me out yet! I know he does not cry wolf. He is walked 8 - 10 times per day as a minimum. I know that seems excessive, and your dog may not need so many times because his bladder is much larger, but your dog still needs daily excercise at least twice/day. Hanging around the yard is really not enough excercise. Have fun!

Answer 4

To be happy and healthy dogs need 2 half hour to 45 min. walks each day. Dogs (natural inclination) travel to hunt and mate. To stay in a yard (even a nice big one) is not at all cool. Once a week is not even close to acceptable. Watch "The Dog Whisperer" on the national geographic channel tonight.

Answer 5

At least once a day. Also take him for drives, etc if the weather isn't hot. They need to get out too. Could you imagine being cooped up in your house all day long? Even if it's in the back yard, it gets boring. He needs a walk to get exercise, along with mental stimulation. And your dog will meet other dogs on walks, so it's a social thing for him too. Also, something to remember - if you only take him out once a week, check his claws - they might be long due to not grinding them down on cement, pavement, etc with the lack of walking.

Answer 6

Twice a day, if that is too hard make sure at least one walk and one time outside either playing fetch or out to the dog park where he can run.

Answer 7

You should be walking 2 times a day at least for 30 mins each session. Once a week is not nearly enough.

Answer 8

i walk my dog for 15 minutes 4 times a day.

Answer 9

well...u best set hes scheduler after your own so you're doggy wont be need to go out when u're busy or not home..basically i say 3 times a day...morning..noon..night...but u can make it twice a day if the walk last a lil' bit longer..

Answer 10

I would say maybe twice a day.It's good exercise for your dog and you, it really helps. I hope it all works out!