How Long Should Dog Walks Be When Living In The City?

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By: Stephanie Surjan, Edited by Abbi Colborn

There are two important reasons you need to walk your dog: first, they need to go potty, and second, they need exercise. As a city pet, our dogs are often constrained to the perimeter of our apartments. Going out often can have you wondering, “How long should my dogs walks be?“

The length of your dog walks depends greatly on the breed, age and health of your dog as well as their personality. Active breeds such as retrievers and hounds can benefit up to 2 hours of dog walking daily (not necessarily all at once), while smaller breeds such as bull dogs or terriers could be happy with 30 minutes of exercise daily.

It’s important to remember that going outside doesn’t necessarily mean walking. You can take your smaller dogs to the park or outdoor café and simply hang out. Fresh air is good for both body and soul, even when it comes to our pooches.

Is 30 Minutes Enough For A Dog Walk?

Down a busy city sidewalk walks a beagle and his owner, connected by a red leash.

Dog walking services are often at least 30 minutes, including getting your pup geared up and dropping them off. 30 minutes can absolutely be enough time for a midday dog walk, but you need to consider the full day. If you have an active breed that could benefit from more exercise, a 30-minute midday walk will not be enough unless you are taking them on a longer walk in the morning and evening.

Playing fetch at a nearby park or letting them run at a dog park are other ways to get that needed exercise. It’s also a perfect solution if you are tired upon returning from work. If neither of these options fit your current schedule, hiring a dog walker to come walk your dog for an hour instead of 30 minutes can make a real difference for your mental health and that of your pooch.

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Can You Walk A Dog Too Long?

Two big fluffy Golden Retrievers, with pink camo leashes, walking through a crowded intersection.

Just like the reality of under-exercising our pets, walking your dog for too long is a real thing. As a dog owner, you need to ensure that you pick a breed that fits your energy level. A dog that is physically exerting itself can develop injuries and anxiety. Check out this Exercise Calculator to see if you and your pooch are compatible!

If you have a dog walker, make sure you communicate with them the length of walks your pup is used to. For example, if your chihuahua normally only takes 10 min walks then hangs out in the park for the rest of the time, you don’t want someone who suddenly pushes Mr. Pickles to walk 30 minutes. Instead, share what your routine is so that the dog walker can do the same things.

When hiring a dog walker, you should be offered a complimentary meet and greet. At Chicago Urban Pets, the dog walker will take notes that are later input to your client portal for reference. Those notes can be updated at any time.

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How Often Should A Dog Be Walked?

Man walks German Shepherd across a bridge on an overcast day. A blue leash connects them.

If we are considering walking as a means to go potty, dogs 6 months and older normally need to go out 3 times a day. Mornings between 7am-9am, midday between 12pm-2pm and at night between 6pm-8pm. It is recommended that dogs don’t go more than 12 hours at night between potty breaks. If needed, you might consider a quick potty before bedtime if their normal evening walk is on the earlier side.

Some families with smaller dogs choose to have an indoor potty area as well. This can include potty pads or a potty that has either AstroTurf or fresh grass. Indoor potty options for dogs though are often treated as a safety net rather than a status quo. Unlike cats, dogs have not been accustomed to being indoors all day. Taking your dog out of the house is crucial for their wellbeing.

The Benefit Of Hiring A Dog Walker

White pitbull puppy with brown patch over his right eye stands on a city street. He wears a red harness, connected to a red leash. Behind stands a man in black shoes and acid washed knee length jean shorts.

As a dog walker I have firsthand experience to the benefits of giving your dog more outdoor time during the weekday. If you work full time, it can be challenging to give your furry family member the attention they deserve.

Here are the benefits I’ve witnessed families experience by hiring Chicago Urban Pets:

Dogs get more variation in their day when we come play with them and take them out.
Dogs thrive on routine. Having a dog walker come at the same time will allow your pup predictability and happiness.
Anxious dogs receive more exposure and socialization.
High energy dogs are less likely to ruin anything in the home when they have been out during the day.
You will feel less guilty when returning home after a long day and going on a very short walk with your dog.
Enjoy pictures of your dog while at the office.
Going out of town is made easier when you already have a relationship with a dog walking company to care for your pet.

If you have any questions about what it’s like hiring a dog walking service feel free to contact us!

All Sizes And Ages Of Dogs Love Attention

Three dogs walking along a road, their leashed being held by a hand that extends past frame on the right side of this picture. From left to right, we see a black lab, small fluffy white schnauzer, and a golden retriever. they approach a curb, which extends into the upper right corner of frame.

Having a dog when living in the city carries huge benefits for us, and is often a symbiotic relationship. The challenge of it lies in exposure to outdoor time and exercise. Many of us work full time jobs, and although coming home to our puppy dog makes it all worth it, hiring a dog walker can really improve your dog’s quality of life and health when spending many hours indoors.

So how long should dogs walks be when living in the city? This depends on many factors and is something you will have to consider for your dog. Whether your pup needs a short walk or a long one, all sizes and ages love attention and snuggles. Set up an initial consultation with Chicago Urban Pets to see if we are a good fit for you and your family.