Aussie dog owners are being urged to grab that lead, put it on their pooches and take their dogs for a walk each day. It’s vital to keep them physically and mentally healthy, says Dogs Australia, a leading peak body that promotes responsible dog ownership.

“Exercise is vital for dogs – and us! And it should be part of every dog’s daily routine,” says Hugh Gent, Dogs Australia President, who is also a dog breeder and dog show judge. “But sadly, some dog owners rarely, if ever, take their dogs for a walk, assuming the dog will be happy just spending time in their yard.

“During the pandemic, many people purchased puppies – and now that people are back at work and school, a lot of dogs are being left at home alone and are missing out on the exercise and interaction they had previously. Separation anxiety has become a major issue. It must be remembered: dogs are not just cuddly toys; they have their own needs, which dog owners need to take into account.”

Hugh says that most dogs need at least 1-2 walks a day (unless specified by your vet). “A rule of thumb is that they should be exercised for between 30 and 45 minutes daily. Of course, senior dogs won’t need as much but it’s still important to give them gentle daily exercise to keep their joints moving and keep them happy.

“Dogs that don’t get enough exercise get a build-up of energy, and they don’t know how to release it. This brings on bad behaviour such as excessive barking, jumping, destructive chewing or even biting. Science shows that taking your dog for walks is good for them, both in terms of their behaviour and physical exercise.”

Research from Finland shows the importance of exercise for all dogs*. It looked at non-social fears such as fear of objects, surfaces (like hardwood floors), heights and noises such as fireworks and thunder. Dogs who took part in more activities with their owner (including walking) and who received more training had the lowest levels of non-social fears.

“In Germany, dog owners are required by law to exercise their dog twice a day for a total of at least an hour – and while it’s more likely to be enforced for kennels rather than private individuals, it’s certainly brought the topic to the fore. I understand some people aren’t able to always take their dogs for walks, which is why professional dog walkers can be a great option,” adds Hugh.

10 reasons why your dog needs to be walked daily:

1. It keeps your dog healthy and limber: daily exercise keeps joints limber and strengthens the muscles supporting those joints.
2. Fitness: dogs that are walked daily stay lean and trim.
3. Weight management: studies have proven that dogs that are walked regularly are less likely to be overweight, and eliminating obesity truly extends their life.
4. Helps reduce undesirable behaviours, such as barking, licking, chewing, digging, and other anxiety-related and attention-seeking behaviours.
5. Promotes physical health: in addition to keeping your dog fit, daily exercise/walking provides exposure to fresh air and Vitamin D from the sunshine. For puppies, Vitamin D is used for proper bone development and growth. Sunshine also speeds up healing, kills bacteria and fungi.
6. Promotes emotional and good mental health – for both your dog and you!
7. Helps boost your dog’s confidence: a daily walking routine helps to provide structure and stability to your dog’s life, which helps boost confidence.
8. Provides mental exercise: physical activity is an essential source of mental stimulation, which in turn helps prevent boredom and frustration.
9. Helps with socialisation: dogs need to be exposed to all kinds of things in order to be well adjusted in new situations and environments. Daily walks and exercise provide a great opportunity for you and your dog to meet new dogs, new people and see new things.
10. Helps build a better relationship between you and your dog.