Walking and potty with your dog

⏰ Daily walks

Most dogs need at least 2–3 walks per day. A short morning walk to pee and poop, a longer afternoon or evening walk for exercise and exploration, and possibly another short round before bed. Puppies and young dogs need more frequent short outings.

How long? That depends on breed, age and energy. An adult dog of average size often needs 30–60 minutes of exercise per day. Some breeds more, older dogs sometimes less. Let your dog sniff—that's mental stimulation.

🚽 Potty needs

Dogs need to relieve themselves at regular times. Right after waking up, after eating and before bed are logical moments. Teach your dog a fixed spot or routine—that helps with housetraining and prevents accidents.

If your dog often needs to go and can't wait, consult your vet. Sometimes there's a medical cause. With puppies, more frequent outings are normal—their bladder is still small.

🏠 Home alone and walking

A dog that gets enough exercise and mental challenge can handle being home alone better. A walk before you leave helps: a tired dog is calmer. So combine walking with your home-alone schedule.

Read more about dog home alone →

📋 Routines

• 1. Walk at fixed times. Dogs love predictability. Morning, afternoon, evening—a rhythm helps your dog feel safe.
• 2. Use the same route or variation. Sniffing is allowed—scent is information. Don't rush.
• 3. Combine walking with training: practice off-leash (where allowed), recall, and basic commands. Short sessions during the walk work well.
• 4. Adjust your routine to the weather. In heat: walk early or late, short rounds. In rain: a raincoat for your dog can help—or accept a wet dog.