Question · Q-00015
How Often Should You Walk a Large Dog Living in an Apartment?
How do you organise walks and toilet breaks for a large dog in an apartment? We are interested in realistic routines that include sniffing, exercise, rest and getting outside when the dog needs to toilet.
Please include your dog's age, general health and activity level, plus whether you use stairs or a lift. Which outings are short toilet breaks, and which give your dog time to explore?
Ta.
1 reply from the community
- Pets in WonderlandUnited Kingdom
A large dog’s walking routine should depend on their breed, age, health and fitness—not just their size or the fact that they live in an apartment.
PDSA advises that most dogs need at least one or two walks each day, but that does not mean one or two outings will cover every dog’s toilet needs. Plan additional toilet opportunities around your dog’s usual routine.
For a healthy adult, a practical arrangement might be a morning walk, a shorter midday outing and an evening walk, with another toilet trip when needed. Treat this as an example, not a fixed exercise prescription.
Include time to sniff and explore. Short training sessions, suitable play and food-searching activities can add variety at home, but do not replace outdoor walks.
An energetic working breed may need much more activity than a similarly sized, quieter dog. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with joint or health problems need an adapted plan.
PDSA bases exercise needs on breed, age, health, fitness and personality, and distinguishes physical exercise from sniffing and mental stimulation.
Source: - PDSA — Exercise for dogs