The advice sounds obvious: just take your dog for a walk. In practice, it leaves you with more questions than answers.
How many times a day to walk, what time of day, whether you need a muzzle - questions that sooner or later every dog owner runs into, not just beginners.
Spoiler: the answers are simpler than they sound. We have been through this stage ourselves with our own dogs, so we put together concrete answers - with numbers, not vague advice like "it depends on the dog".
How long and how often should you walk your dog?
Walks, like most routines, depend on the breed.
A Pomeranian or a Chihuahua feels great with 30-60 minutes of moderate activity a day, and that is genuinely enough. A Border Collie, on the other hand, will not even break a sweat in that same hour - this breed needs around 2 hours of physical activity a day, or it starts "renovating" the flat out of sheer boredom.
For puppies, vets use a simple rule of thumb: 5 minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day. A three-month-old puppy gets 15 minutes, a five-month-old gets 25.
This is not a whim - it is joint protection: the growth plates in a puppy's bones stay open until 12-18 months, depending on the breed, and overexertion at this age raises the risk of hip dysplasia later on.
For a healthy adult dog, a guideline is approximately 1-2 hours of walking per day, divided into 2-3 outings. The best sign beyond the numbers: your dog should come home calm and content - not still buzzing with energy, and not gasping for breath.
When to walk: heat and frost
The question of what time of day to walk a dog is mostly about safety, not habit.
- Once the air hits 25°C, asphalt can reach 50°C - hot enough to burn paw pads within seconds.
- The test is simple: press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. If you cannot handle it, neither can your dog.
This matters most on an active walk: in a large UK study of over 900,000 dogs, physical exertion - not, say, being left in a hot car - caused 74.2% of all heatstroke cases. And it can happen fast - a dog's normal body temperature is 38-39.2°C, and overheating already starts at 39.4-40°C.
Winter works differently: it is best to walk during daylight hours, both to see where your dog is stepping and to avoid road salt, which can irritate paw pads. Frostbite risk climbs once temperatures drop below 0°C, and in wet or windy conditions paws can be affected in as little as 30 minutes - so in freezing weather, shorten the walk instead of pushing through heroically. Rinse your dog's paws right after a walk like that. We covered how often to bathe your dog and how to care for their coat in a separate guide.
A puppy's first walk
When can you start? Most vets give the green light about 1-2 weeks after the second round of puppy vaccinations - ask your vet to confirm the date for yours.
A puppy's first walk is about discovering the world, not covering distance. Let your puppy set the pace: stopping at every bush is sniffing, nose-first exploration, which comes far more naturally to a dog than walking in a straight line. A treat for staying calm around a car or bike passing in the distance goes a long way, and within a few weeks socialisation gets a whole lot easier.
Harness, collar, or lead?
Harness or collar:
- a harness spreads pressure evenly and is safer for small breeds and dogs that pull;
- a collar is more compact and needed for an ID tag.
For everyday walks around the neighbourhood, a standard 1.5-2 metre lead is enough; a long training lead comes in handy for practising "come" in open spaces.
It is also worth checking that your harness and lead actually work well together. By the way, we already covered what to look for when choosing dog clothes - there you will find a whole section on making sure clothes and harnesses play nicely together.
What to bring with you
In short:
- dog poop bags;
- treats;
- a bottle of water for hot days;
- an ID tag with current contact info.
Important: on public transport (metro, bus, tram, PKP trains) a muzzle is mandatory, regardless of breed or size - the only exception is for guide dogs and very small dogs in a carrier.
If your dog belongs to a breed considered relatively large (for example, a Rottweiler or an American Pit Bull Terrier), a muzzle will also come in handy in public places in general: on the street, in the park, at mass events.
The specific rules for these places are set by your local municipality (gmina), so they can vary slightly by city. Not having a muzzle where it is required can cost up to 500 PLN.
By the way, the fine for a dog off the lead in Poland is 50 to 500 PLN. If an unsupervised dog attacks a person or another animal, the amount rises to 1,000 PLN, and walking off the lead in a forest or protected area can cost up to 5,000 PLN, even if nobody got hurt.
When your dog pulls the lead or barks at others
- If your dog pulls on the lead like it is training for the Iditarod, the fix is not stronger arms, it is training: stop every time the lead goes taut, move again only once it slackens.
- If your dog does not want to go for a walk, first rule out paw pain or overly hot weather.
- Barking at other dogs usually comes down to either excess excitement or insecurity.
- If your dog seems calmer without a lead than with one, that is already lead aggression, and it is worth bringing in a professional trainer rather than winging it.
One more interesting fact
Short-muzzled breeds (pugs, bulldogs) have a much harder time regulating their body temperature through breathing - so their safe heat threshold is lower than for typical breeds. If that is your dog, do not go by the general rules in this article - go by how they are actually doing in the heat.
In summary
A proper walk is not about nailing the technique on day one - it is a habit that builds gradually: the right amount of time for the right breed, pavement you have actually tested instead of guessed at, and a little patience while your dog learns. It took us more than a week to get the hang of it too.
And if you need help picking a harness, clothes or toys to match your dog's size and personality - we are happy to help. 🤍
FAQ
How long should I walk my dog each day?
For a healthy adult dog, aim for roughly 1-2 hours of walking a day, split into 2-3 outings. Small breeds like Chihuahuas are usually content with 30-60 minutes of moderate activity, while working breeds such as Border Collies need around 2 hours. The best check: your dog should come home calm and content.
How long can a puppy walk?
Vets use a simple rule of thumb: 5 minutes of walking per month of age, twice a day. A three-month-old puppy gets about 15 minutes per outing, a five-month-old about 25. Growth plates stay open until 12-18 months, so keeping walks short protects a puppy's joints while they grow.
What time of day should I walk my dog in summer?
Walk early in the morning or late in the evening, when the asphalt has cooled down. Air at 25°C can heat asphalt to around 50°C. Press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds - if you cannot hold it there, it is too hot for your dog's paws.
Does my dog need a muzzle on public transport in Poland?
Yes. On Polish public transport - metro, buses, trams and PKP trains - a muzzle is mandatory regardless of breed or size. The only exceptions are guide dogs and very small dogs travelling in a carrier. Not having one where required can cost up to 500 PLN.
What is better for walks, a harness or a collar?
A harness spreads pressure evenly across the chest, which makes it safer for small breeds and for dogs that pull. A collar is more compact and useful for carrying an ID tag. Many owners use both: a harness for the lead, a collar for the tag.
What should I do if my dog pulls on the lead?
Train it out rather than pulling back: stop every time the lead goes taut, and move again only once it slackens. If your dog stays calmer without a lead than with one, that points to lead aggression - a case where a professional trainer is worth the money.
Is one walk a day enough for a dog?
For most dogs it is not ideal. Two to three shorter outings spread across the day beat one long walk: dogs need regular toilet breaks and mental stimulation, not just mileage. If your schedule only allows one proper walk, keep it unhurried and add a short evening loop for a toilet break.
