How long should you walk your dog?
Short answer
Under the Swedish rules a dog must be let outside every day and should go out at least every six hours during the day, but how long the walks should be depends on breed, age and health. A healthy adult dog usually needs several walks a day with at least one longer one, while puppies and older dogs do best with shorter, more frequent outings. If you cannot do it yourself, a dog walker can take the midday walk.
What the rules say
The Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations on keeping dogs and cats (SJVFS 2020:8) do not say how many minutes a walk should last, but they set a minimum:
- Dogs must be let outside every day.
- Dogs kept indoors must be walked regularly, taking into account their need for exercise, age and health.
- Under the general advice, dogs should be let outside at least every six hours during the day, and young and older dogs more often.
That is a minimum. Most dogs need far more exercise and stimulation than just getting out to pee.
The need differs between dogs
No single figure suits every dog. A young herding dog and an older companion dog have completely different needs. The table is a starting point, but listen to your own dog and ask your vet if you are unsure.
| Dog | What it usually needs | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Short, frequent outings with lots of exploring and rest | Avoid long, hard walks while the body is growing |
| Young dog and active working breed | Plenty of exercise every day and some brain work | Without enough outlet, the dog may invent its own activities |
| Adult companion dog | Several walks a day, at least one of them longer | Vary the routes so your dog gets new scents |
| Older dog | Shorter, calmer walks, ideally more often | Stiff joints and less stamina, so adjust the pace |
| Short-nosed dog | Calm walks at an easy pace | Struggles to regulate heat, so avoid warm hours |
Quality counts, not just time
A walk where your dog can sniff in peace is often more tiring than a quick lap at a steady pace. Sniffing is how a dog takes in the world, and it is good for both body and mind.
- Let your dog sniff and choose the way sometimes.
- Vary between forest, park and town.
- Add a little training or play along the way.
- Add some enrichment at home, such as searching for treats.
Between 1 March and 20 August, Swedish law on the supervision of dogs and cats requires dogs to be kept so they cannot run loose in areas where there is wildlife. Many municipalities also have their own lead rules in parks and on beaches.
Walks in heat and cold
The weather affects how long and when walks should be:
Things to consider by weather
- Summer: walk early in the morning and late in the evening, bring water and feel the tarmac with your hand before your dog walks on it.
- Winter: rinse the paws after the walk if the roads are salted, and give small or short-haired dogs a coat when needed.
- Ice and darkness: use reflectors or a light on both you and your dog.
- Thunder and bangs: keep your dog on a lead, because a scared dog can bolt.
Never leave your dog waiting in a warm car, not even for a short while. The temperature in a car rises quickly even on a cloudy summer day, and your dog cannot cool itself down. If your dog starts walking slowly, panting heavily or lying down during the walk, it needs rest, water and shade. Short-nosed, older and overweight dogs are especially sensitive.
When you cannot walk your dog yourself
Long working days make a midday walk hard to fit in. There is help available:
- Dog walking: a dog walker collects your dog from home and goes for a walk while you work.
- Home visits: the sitter comes to your home, lets your dog out and gives food or medication.
- Day care: your dog spends the whole day with a sitter and gets both walks and company.
Search for dog walkers near you and read reviews from other dog owners. If you want to know what it costs, there are examples in our guide to what a dog or cat sitter costs.
How to choose a dog walker
The dog walker takes your dog out in traffic and among other dogs, so it is worth asking a few questions before you book:
Questions to ask a dog walker
- Do you walk one dog at a time or several together?
- How long are the walks and where do you usually go?
- Do you let dogs off the lead, and if so, where?
- What do you do if my dog gets hurt or ill?
- How do I get updates after the walk?
You can also read about how Pet Lounge works and our approach to trust and safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is one walk a day enough?
Rarely. Under the Swedish Board of Agriculture's general advice, a dog should be let outside at least every six hours during the day, so most dogs need several walks a day. A midday dog walk helps when you are at work.
How long should a puppy's walks be?
Short and frequent. A puppy needs to go out often but should not do long, hard walks while its body is growing. Ask the breeder or your vet what suits your puppy.
Can my dog run off the lead?
Between 1 March and 20 August, dogs must be kept so they cannot run loose in areas with wildlife, and for the rest of the year they must not chase or hunt wildlife. Municipalities can also have their own lead rules.
How long should I walk an older dog?
Shorter, calmer walks, ideally more often. Adapt to your dog's stamina and joints, and talk to your vet if your dog seems to be in pain.
Can I book someone to walk my dog?
Yes. On Pet Lounge you can search for dog walkers near you and book a dog walk on the days you need one.
Find a sitter near you
Read profiles and reviews, compare prices and send a message before you book.
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