One of the most common questions new dog owners ask is how often they need to take their precious little puppy for a walk. Well, actually, you don’t really need to take them for a walk at all…if you’re willing to share your toilet! Okay, so you’re probably not going to be willing to do that. But if you do succeed in not only teaching your dog how to use the toilet, but how to put the seat down after they’re done as well, then by all means let us know your secret!
First, the frequency with which you need to walk your dog greatly depends on your breed. Typically, smaller breeds need to be taken for peepee breaks more often. And while larger dog breads can hold their bladder for upwards of eight hours (so you don’t have to worry while you’re at the office), it’s nice if you can walk them two to four times a day. And once your dog is old enough, they’ll learn to let you know one way or another when they need to relieve themselves, usually pawing at the front door, whimpering, or sniffing around in the corners of your home.
Beyond bathroom breaks, your dog will love you all the more even if you just have time to take them out for 10 or 15 minutes at a time for exercise (45 minutes to an hour is ideal). Any additional outside time they get is very refreshing for them. Believe it or not, dogs can get bored, so by letting them sniff everything in sight for even just a few minutes outside will make them significantly more happy!
