If there is one thing that we already know about you, it’s that you love your pup and always want to do right by them! Of course, life can be hectic sometimes, and this can make even the simplest pet questions like ‘how many walks does my dog need’ feel a bit overwhelming. And this can be on top of all the usual challenges with finding the right equipment that is going to be safe and stylish.
The first thing to remember is that dog walks aren’t just for bathroom breaks, that are a vital part of a pup’s routine to help with mental stimulation, physical health and emotional wellbeing. Not all dogs need the same amount of walking, and not every walk is going to look the same.
Here at The Lille Bjorn we are committed to making dog walking something that both pet and owner look forward to. Let’s go through everything that you need to know for how to make each adventure better!
Walks Are More Than Bathroom Breaks
Going on a daily walk might seem simple to you, but for your dog, it can be everything! From exercise to a brain boost to the chance to release a lot of energy, walks are often the favorite part of any pup’s day. It's the main way they can prevent obesity, reduce any behavioural issues and strengthen their aging joints.
And do you want to know the biggest secret of the activity? Sniffing!
Sniffing is the key way that dog’s process the world around them, it’s like their version of checking for social media updates! Allowing your pup to stop and explore their surroundings with their nose can help to keep them stimulated and fulfilled.
A good walk isn’t just about movement, it's more of a mini adventure where everything from chasing blowing leaves to greeting fellow dogs to discovering new scents is on the table. When you decide to skip a walk to save time in your day, think about how much it is costing your pet in terms of life balance and happiness.
The Often-Overlooked Key: The Right Accessories
So you’ve planned a route and made the time, but what if you notice your pup pulling or scratching at their collar and trying to wriggle free? This is down to not having the right gear, and it can really ruin a great dog walking routine.
Any collars that are made from scratchy, synthetic materials can irritate your dog’s sensitive skin, while a stiff leash that is too heavy can make casual city strolling a real chore. The perfect alternative is a full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather collar that boasts all of these features:
- Hypoallergenic.
- Flexible and soft.
- Eco-friendly.
- Stylish and durable.
When paired with solid brass hardware, it’s a match made in heaven! Some of our favorite recommendations are:
- The Aeris Wide Collar for a balanced fit for pups with longer necks.
- The Vero Harness for smaller and/or older dogs that benefit from better pressure distribution.
- The Omni Hands-Free Leash to give you better control when walking in bust urban areas. When walking in a big city, having the right city dog accessories is absolutely crucial.
Breed & Energy Levels Matter
It’s important to recognize that not all dogs are built for the same pace of life. Follow these simple recommendations for your own precious pup!
- High energy breeds like Border Collies and Jack Russells = 3-4 sessions a day with training and games.
- Medium-energy breeds like Beagles and Labradors = 2 standard walks a day.
- Low-energy breeds like Cavaliers, Great Danes and Bulldogs - 1-2 shorter walks a day at a gentle pace.
Whether you have a snuggler or a sprinter, their unique needs matter. Make sure to include mental stimulation alongside pure walking, with things like puzzle toys and scent training.
No matter the breed, consistency is key, and having the right dog collar or leather dog harness for the job is an essential element of that consistency.
Puppies vs. Seniors: Age Makes a Difference
Just like us humans, a dog’s needs change as they grow. There is a big difference between walking with a puppy and walking with a senior, from how often to how intensive and more.
A great rule of thumb to keep in mind for puppies is 5 minutes per month of age, per walk. This means that a 4 month old, for example, should be walking for around 20 minutes per outing, ideally two or three times per day.
On the other hand, a senior dog might need to do much less than this, so keep out for signs of discomfort like a slowing in pace, hesitation on steps and noticeable stiffness after resting. Switching to a harness like the Vero can help with evenly distributing weight.
It’s important not to skip walking for older pups because they still need all of the good mental engagement and it does help with joint mobility. Just keep your outings to shorter bursts with more frequent stops!
Your Dog’s Environment Shapes Their Routine
Backyards are great, but they shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for a proper walk, especially for city dogs!
If you live in an apartment, there are far fewer opportunities for spontaneous exercise, which is why city dogs need planned walks to add stimulation and give a break from indoor boredom. This is where choosing the right accessories becomes absolutely crucial.
A hands-free leash like our Omni Leash can be perfect for urban living, it gives the freedom to grab a coffee and answer texts whilst still ensuring your furry friend gets a good workout.
When paired with a hypoallergenic dog collar and compact leather dog harness, you’ve got all the great to turn a 20 minute city loop into a fun and stylish highlight of the day!
Of course, suburban life can offer more open space, but that doesn’t make routine walks with quality gear any less important. Don’t rely on a big yard to keep your pup entertained!
Not Just More Walks — Better Walks
Don’t focus so much on quantity. When it comes to good dog walks, quality is everything.
There isn’t much satisfaction in rushing from A to B with no stops. Give your pup time to sniff around and lead the way (within reason!). If they want to explore that weird tree stump five times, let them!
The more interactive a walk is, the more confidence your pup will build and the less stressed they will be. Encourage all of the following on your strolls:
- Sniffing breaks.
- Slight route changes.
- Positive interactions and/or commands.
- Time off leash where safe and legal.
Remember, for your canine companion, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey!
And let’s not forget your own comfort too! The great thing about a soft, vegetable-tanned dog leash for the city is that it is designed to eliminate the risk of burned palms and tangled nylon straps.
How to Tell if Your Dog Needs More Walks
Some of the classic signs that your pup might need more walks include:
- Incessant barking (even at shadows).
- Pacing and restlessness at home.
- Chewing on shoes, furniture and even walls.
- Gaining weight.
- Pulling hard on the leash when out walking.
- Getting the ‘zoomies’ multiple times during a day.
Though many of these behaviors are necessarily outright ‘bad’, they can be a communication from your pup that they want and need to do more.
A good daily dog walk can help to alleviate a lot of this potential chaos, and you can always rely on a great service like ScoopMasters to help you out on those days when your pup needs to go in the yard rather than outside of your property.
Gear That Grows With Your Routine
Your walking routine is going to evolve as your dog ages, along with things like lifestyle changes and seasonal shifts. As a result, your dog accessories need to be versatile.
At The Lille Bjorn, we are committed to gear that features all the best elements you could possibly want.
- Full-grain vegetable tanned leather that softens over time to prevent any irritation.
- Solid brass hardware that offers long lasting strength and comfort.
- A variety of styles that are both practical and functional.
From the Aeris Wide Collar that is perfect for long-necked pups, to the Vero Harness for those that love to pull, to the Omni Hands-Free Leash that offer the best adaptability in urban settings, we’ve got something for everyone!
Don’t hesitate to explore our handcrafted collection here.
Every Step Counts
At the end of the day, your dog might not need a dozen walks a day, it just needs the right walk.
Take everything into consideration from their breed to their age to their environment and energy levels, and you can create a dog walking routine that is healthy for both their body and their mind, as well as your own!
You shouldn’t just see a dog walk as exercise, you should see it as quality time spent together, and with help from The Lille Bjorn collection, we think that you can come up with a system and routine that your pup loves.
After all, they deserve the best!
