Everyone knows they need to walk their dog, but how do they do it properly? How many times a day and for how long, before or after meals, on or off a leash? Answers 10 of the most frequently asked questions.

1️⃣ What are the benefits of walking a dog?

Pets need walks to satisfy their biological needs and exercise—animals need plenty of movement to stay healthy. Without it, their musculoskeletal system suffers, and their muscles lose tone. A typical apartment offers little space for proper exercise.

Dogs, like people, value mental development and new experiences. Beyond the walls of their home, pets explore the outside world. They are excited by unfamiliar smells, sounds, objects, and situations. Dogs are also territorial animals. Their instinct compels them to “keep an eye” not only on their own home but also on their daily walks, exploring everything around them and leaving marks.

“Unfortunately, some owners, having adopted a pet, adapt the environment to their own needs,” says Evgeny Pudeev. “First, they train their puppy to use a pad to cope with quarantine restrictions, and then they’re reluctant to break their normal routine. As a result, the pet grows up unsocialized, neither among dogs nor among people—it’s comfortable and safe at home, but the outside world is alarming or even frightening. It’s not always possible to make up for lost time. It’s better to avoid such mistakes from the start.”

2️⃣ What kind of walk is considered a full one?

Experts recommend that dogs should spend most of their walks off-leash. This recommendation only applies to obedient and well-behaved dogs. All other dogs should first undergo obedience training.

A proper walk is always balanced. The ideal walk includes all the activities a dog needs, from fitness to socialization. Of course, finding that much time isn’t always possible, but it’s worth striving for (at least a few times a week).

3️⃣ How many times a day and for how long should you walk?

The number and duration of walks depend on the dog’s age, the time of year, and the weather. ” It’s best to walk adult dogs three times a day, ” says Evgeny Pudeev. “If you have to limit yourself to two walks, take your pet out in the morning and evening immediately after returning home. You should walk your dog for at least 2.5-3 hours a day in total. An adult, clean, healthy dog ​​can wait for its next walk for up to 10 hours without harming its health.”

Puppies under seven months old should be taken out about 3-4 times a day. Miniature breed puppies have faster metabolisms and will need more frequent walks. As the puppy matures, the frequency of walks should be reduced.

It’s a different story with older dogs and dogs with chronic illnesses. It’s all individual.

4️⃣ Should I walk before or after eating?

Experts recommend walking your pet before eating.

“This is especially important for large-breed dogs,” says Evgeny Pudeev. “After eating, the animal should be left alone and not even played with. There is a risk of gastric torsion, a severe digestive disorder with a high risk of death. It’s best to feed your dog 15 minutes after a quiet walk or 30 minutes after a vigorous walk. The time interval between feeding and walking depends on many factors. For example, if it’s a puppy that’s frequently walked, then it should be taken outside immediately after napping. If the dog is young and needs a walk and training, then the interval between the walk and the last feeding should be as long as possible. A slightly hungry pet will be more motivated to earn treats for following commands. If the dog is an adult and undergoing serious training, the interval should be at least four hours. In all other cases, a minimum of two hours is recommended, although there is no universal guideline for all dogs.”

5️⃣ What should you do if your dog poops in your apartment even when you take it for regular walks?

First, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If the dog is physically healthy, try adding another walk or increasing its duration. This will likely resolve the issue. Puppies and young dogs are most likely to confuse the toilet area with the house. How can I teach my pet to be housebroken?

“A puppy’s need to relieve itself arises after sleep. As soon as the little one wakes up, it should be taken outside,” says Evgeny Pudeev. “When going for a short walk, avoid playing with the puppy, so as not to distract it from the main task. It’s best to use a code word, such as the command ‘do it,’ before the puppy actually does it, and gently (so as not to distract) praise the puppy during and afterward, saying ‘good job.’ After a few walks, the pet will understand the command upon hearing ‘do it,’ and follow it. Our adult dogs obey this command immediately. This saves time—for example, if we’re traveling and walking our pets during short stops.”

6️⃣ Are long walks harmful or beneficial?

It all depends on the individual. A German Shepherd, for example, can happily run 50 kilometers a day at a moderate pace. Pointers are recommended to run at least 20 kilometers daily. Small breed dogs can easily cover distances of over 10 kilometers. Excessive exercise may be unsafe for dogs with short, flat muzzles, such as bulldogs or pugs. Due to their respiratory system, they do not tolerate excessive activity well, especially in hot weather.

7️⃣ How to make your pet’s interactions with other dogs safe?

Dogs are social creatures. When they meet on the street, they gather information by sniffing each other, as well as through body language, tactile, and visual contact.

It’s important to know that a taut leash provokes aggression in animals. A dog pulling will lean forward, its body tense. Other dogs perceive this as a clear sign of attack. An oncoming dog may start a fight in self-defense. On the other hand, a taut leash helps a pet feel a strong connection with its owner, their support and protection, which means it can also indulge in some fun. Furthermore, a taut leash increases a dog’s arousal, which intensifies all reactions, including fear and anger. Teach your pet to walk on a slack leash and avoid pulling on it yourself. This is a safety issue.

8️⃣ What commands should a dog know on the street?

“Come!” is the first command . A dog’s name is also a command, but it only gets the dog’s attention. However, the “Come!” command should ensure the dog’s immediate return.

It’s also a good idea to train your pet to obey the “Down!” command without question . This command is essential for quickly restraining the dog. This command is helpful in situations where it’s more convenient and safer to approach the dog yourself rather than calling it. For example, a car is crossing the space between you, or another problem arises where the best thing your pet can do is freeze and not move.

Another important command during walks is “No!” Pets should generally avoid picking up food or taking it from strangers. Trained dogs don’t do this without a command, but proper behavior can only be achieved through training.

If you’ve decided to train your pet according to all the rules, you’ll need the “Heel!” command , which requires the dog to sit at the owner’s left leg. This is the basic position—all the basic elements of training begin and end with it.

9️⃣ Who is in charge during the walk?

From the very beginning, it’s important to show your pet that the owner is in control: they determine both the pace and the route of the walk. Walk your dog where you’ve planned, discouraging any attempts by the animal to choose its own route.

It’s helpful to train your dog to move in a “shuttle” pattern: running away and returning, then running away and coming back again. This way, your dog will be aware of your presence and will periodically check to see if you’re following. To practice this technique, take an object with you on a walk that you can throw. Your dog will have to bring it back to you.

🔟 What to do if a dog runs away?

Young dogs over six months are most likely to run away. There can be several reasons for this: walks that are too short, curiosity, fear of loud noises, sexual attraction, fear, and mistrust of their owner. Hunting dogs such as huskies, pointers, and hounds often run away instinctively after sensing prey. It must be said that getting to the root cause can be difficult without the help of a specialist. However, there are some general recommendations.

Don’t chase after him; instead, try heading in the opposite direction. This trick usually works. The best way to prevent dog escapes is through training—training him to automatically learn the commands “Come” and “Down.”

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