How often does a dog have to go out?
The fact that dogs need to go outside a lot is pretty much the most basic thing that dog owners need to know. But what is "a lot" and how much is enough? How much is perhaps even too much? Not an easy question, especially because there are so many different dog breeds, all of which can be very individual in their needs. The right question should therefore be: which dog breed needs to go outside for how long? Even this question is not easy to answer - but we do it anyway!
For your four-legged friend, a walk is much more than just a pee break. The daily walk strengthens social behavior and the relationship between you and your dog. How often your dog needs to go out during the day depends on its age, breed , size and state of health.
Content: How often does a dog need to go out?
- Which dog breeds need to go out particularly often?
- Dogs that need a lot of exercise
- Dogs with less need for exercise
- How often does a puppy need to go out at night?
- How often do you have to walk the puppy?
- How often do older dogs need to go outside?
- Conclusion
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How many pee breaks does a dog need?
Healthy, adult dogs urinate around six times a day. Hardly anyone takes their dog out that often. Usually, three to four walks are enough, but they are a little longer. Your dog should get used to this pretty quickly and can hold it back. But you shouldn't put him to the test too much. If he does his business in the apartment, it's hard to scold him. So don't leave too long a break between walks.
Which dog breeds need to go out particularly often?
There are big differences between breeds when it comes to how often and how long a dog needs to be exercised. Body size plays a particularly important role here, but it is not the only factor.
Each dog breed belongs to a specific group of dogs, such as herding dogs, hounds or terriers. While some groups of dogs are particularly fond of running, others' need for exercise is satisfied more quickly.
Dogs that need a lot of exercise
The need for exercise in terriers and dachshunds is often underestimated due to their size. However, since these breeds were originally bred for hunting, they are real exercise junkies. These active souls therefore need a lot of exercise and sporting activities in order to be able to get the most out of their time.
The same applies to these dog groups:
- terrier
- Hounds
- Pinschers & Schnauzers
- Greyhounds
- Pointing dogs
- Herding and Cattle Dogs
- Retrievers
Dogs with less need for exercise
Companion and pet dogs are basically the breeds of dog that don't need much exercise. Breeds like poodles or chihuahuas were not bred for hunting and have less of a need for exercise. For them, smaller, varied walks are ideal.
Short-nosed dog breeds such as pugs or bulldogs are more likely to suffer from overheating and breathing difficulties due to their body structure. Too much physical activity can even be life-threatening for these breeds.
Three walks a day of 20 minutes each are sufficient for these four-legged friends.
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How often do puppies have to go outside?
Puppies and older dogs need to go outside more often because they cannot stay there for long.
How often and for how long a puppy needs to go out depends on its age and breed.
In the beginning, all puppies should be taken out every hour or every two hours at the most. Especially if the young four-legged friend is not yet house trained, it can happen very quickly that he pees in the apartment. Over time, the time intervals should be increased.
Young dogs need to relieve themselves especially after waking up, eating and before and after playing. It is also advisable to go outside before going to bed.
How often does a puppy need to go out at night?
Very young dogs in particular have to go out at night. This can be nerve-wracking, but it is a must when there is a puppy in the house. They simply cannot hold back the urge to pee long enough and inevitably end up peeing in the house. There are puppies that can sleep through the night, but this is not the norm.
It is difficult to establish a general rule, but a rule of thumb is:
- Puppies up to three months need to go out about 3 – 4 times
- Puppies up to four months need to go out about 1 – 2 times
- Puppies five months and older should be house trained and able to survive the night.
How often do you have to walk the puppy?
Despite the frequent pee breaks, daily walks should not be neglected. Several short walks of around ten minutes are ideal in the beginning.
It is advisable to make the walk varied and to gradually get the puppy used to going for a walk. As the dog gets older, it will be able to hold on for longer and go for longer walks.
But size also plays a role. Smaller breeds grow faster and their bone structure matures more quickly. They are fully grown at around 10 months. Larger breeds need more time to be fully able to bear weight. For very large breeds, this can even take up to two years.
How often do older dogs need to go outside?
Just like puppies, older dogs also need to empty their bladders more often. However, they are usually much better at communicating when they need to go. With older dogs, you should plan four walks a day lasting around 30 to 60 minutes.
Conclusion
People often underestimate how often a dog has to go out and how much it changes and determines their daily routine. The dog doesn't care if it's raining, snowing or the sun is shining and high temperatures make life difficult. Before buying a dog, everyone should think carefully about whether such a high-care animal fits into their own life. A dog consultation may help you choose the right breed of dog.
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