Why daily walks should be part of your dog’s routine

One of the biggest mistakes we see is folks thinking dog walks are just bathroom breaks for their pooch.

But we firmly believe they’re one of the most important parts of your dog’s day! Walks keep them healthy, give them mental stimulation and can even strengthen your bond.

Not every dog is ready to hit the pavement right away. For some, especially recent rescues or dogs who struggle with reactivity or fear, a walk might be stressful instead of enjoyable.

In those cases, it’s better to focus on building confidence and engagement through enrichment activities first, then slowly add walks back into the routine once your dog feels ready. (Keep reading to learn more!)

For dogs who do enjoy them, here’s why daily walks deserve a permanent spot in their routine.

Promotes physical health

Walking is a low-impact exercise that strengthens muscles, supports joint health and keeps your dog at a healthy weight. Just like people, dogs feel better when they move. (Bonus: Read more on the health benefits of dog walking for owners, too!)

Daily walks also help maintain mobility, especially as dogs age, and can prevent health problems linked to inactivity. 

Adds structure and routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. A daily walk helps break up long hours at home, prevents boredom and gives them something to look forward to each day.

Especially during times of change, like back-to-school season or after the holidays, getting back into a consistent walking routine can help both you and your pup adjust. That regularity is comforting and gives dogs a healthy outlet for their energy.

Hiring a professional dog walker ensures your pup gets exercise and stimulation at the same time each day, even if your schedule changes.

Meets their instinctual needs (let them sniff, please!)

While you may think of a walk as exercise, your dog experiences it through their nose.

Sniffing is how dogs process the world. Allowing them to stop, sniff and explore satisfies their natural instincts, reduces stress and makes the walk far more enriching.

Remember: Dogs don’t measure the success of a walk by the number of steps taken (that’s a distinctly human thing!). To your dog, the joy is in how much they got to take in through sights, sounds and especially smells during their walk.

Provides mental stimulation

A change of scenery and new smells on a walk both provide valuable mental exercise. 

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity when it comes to keeping your dog happy. A mentally tired dog is often calmer, less destructive and more content at home.

By hiring a walker, your pup will also receive companionship when you’re away or otherwise busy.

Strengthens the bond between the two of you

A walk is time set aside just for the two of you. Without distractions from work, chores or screens, you can tune into your dog and enjoy the moment together.

Dogs thrive on routine and connection, and a walk tells them, “This is our time together.” Over time, those daily outings build trust and deepen the bond between you. The same goes for hiring a regular dog walker your pooch can connect with!

So, how long should dog walks be, anyway?

Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

The right length and pace depend on your dog’s breed, age and overall health. A young, high-energy pup may need longer outings, while a senior dog might be happiest with short, leisurely strolls. Read more on PetMD.

The goal isn’t about clocking a certain number of steps, but about creating a fulfilling experience for your furry BFF.

Preparing for success on walks

For puppies, new dogs or recent rescues, it’s important to introduce the walking environment gradually. Take time for enrichment activities where your dog can simply observe, sniff and get comfortable with new surroundings (or, as we like to say it, be their true, tail-waggin’ selves!). 

Once they feel safe and engaged, adding structured walks becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

If your dog struggles with reactivity, fear or high stress on walks, it’s OK to press pause. Focus instead on building confidence through enrichment at home or in safe spaces. With patience and gradual exposure, most dogs can learn to love walks at their own pace.

Daily walks can enrich your dog’s life in countless ways. So even if your schedule shifts, make sure walks remain a priority for the betterment of your canine companion(s)!

If you’re looking for dog walking services in Long Beach, we’d love to meet you. In addition to our daily dog walking, we offer decompression walks where dogs can sniff, explore and take in the world at their own pace in a calm, no-pressure environment.