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Do small dogs need a walk?
Many people may be worried about taking a walk even though they have welcomed their long-awaited dog. Especially for those who have a dog for the first time, there are various concerns.
In this article, we will introduce the points you should know when taking a walk, such as the optimal way to take a walk and the timing of your debut for a walkabout with popular small dogs.
Do small dogs need a walk?
It is sometimes said that small dogs do not need a walk, but small dogs also need moderate exercise. Some dogs can get an appropriate amount of exercise by exercising indoors, but walking has many merits such as stress relief and refreshing effects on the mind and body. Making it a daily routine will help your dog to live a mentally calm life.
In addition, by interacting with various people, animals, and things during the walk, you can develop sociality and enjoy communicating with people and other dogs. You can also deepen the relationship of trust with the owner through daily walks.
How to take a walk and when to make your debut?
It is safe to remember the basic knowledge to prevent troubles during a walk. Before vaccination, you are not immune to vaccine-preventable infections, so don’t let them walk outside. In the case of puppies, it is difficult to create immunity with a single vaccination, so the vaccination should be divided into multiple doses.
The best time to make your walk debut is two weeks after your last vaccination and when you can immunize. After welcoming your dog, you can get a guideline for your debut on a walk by conducting a health checkup at a veterinary clinic and then telling you the vaccination status.
Six to eight weeks after birth is the period when the dog’s sociality grows most. Before vaccination, you should avoid touching things around you, but during this period it’s a good idea to take them out and feel the joy of the outside world.
After the vaccination, it’s finally time to take a walk. Instead of going out suddenly, let’s take your dog for a walk in order.
Show the collar and leash while giving a snack, and give the collar and leash a good image. Have your pet wear it and walk around the room, and when the dog comes to your feet, give it a treat. By complimenting them at the right time and giving them snacks, we will eliminate the feeling of resistance to collars and leads.
Look at the situation on the balcony or garden
If you are still worried about going out to a public place, you can put your pet out on the balcony or garden. On the balcony or in the garden, you don’t have to be afraid of people or cars coming and going or barking from other dogs. It’s a good opportunity to get in touch with outside stimuli.
Appropriate distance for walking small dogs
A suitable walking distance for small dogs is 1-2 km per walk. Basically, you should take a walk twice a day, and choose the timing before meals as much as possible. After meals, there is a risk of stomach twisting and gastric dilatation, so wait for 1 to 2 hours as a meal break.
Also, if you regularly feed or go for a walk at a fixed time, your dog may feel the stress of being late and start barking. In that case, it is a good idea to intentionally set the time to go for a walk at random timing.
What is the amount of walking for each dog?
Ideally, the basic small dog walk time should be between 20 and 60 minutes. However, even though it is a small dog, the size and amount of exercise differ depending on the breed. Among small dogs, improved dog breeds such as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and sheepdogs should take longer walking times than dogs improved as pet dogs.
Below is a summary of the ideal walking times for each of the major small breeds.
Breeds improved as pet dogs (20 to 30 minutes)
Chiwawa, Shizu, Papillon, Japanese Chin, Pug, Pekingese, Maltese, Tibetan Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, etc. 🐕🐶👀😍
Breeds improved as guard dogs (30-40 minutes)
Pomeranian, Japanese Spitz, Shiba Inu, French Bulldog, etc. 😍👀🐶🐕🥰
Breeds improved as sheepdogs, working dogs, and hunting dogs (40-60 minutes)
Toy Poodle, Corgi, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher, Terrier (Yorkshire, Cairn, Jack Russell, Boston, Norfolk, Scottish), Wire Fox, Japanese Terrier, etc.), Miniature Dax, etc. 🥰🐕🐶👀😍
The appropriate walking time depends not only on the breed of the dog but also on the age and physical condition of the dog, illness, and personality. When deciding the number of walks and the distance, keep an eye on the dog and find the right distance.
Precautions when taking a walk with a small dog
Here are three things to keep in mind when taking a walk with a small dog.
Ø Manners for a walk
There are some etiquette and rules that must be followed when walking a dog. It is important to control the dog so that it does not jump on people, as it can cause clothes to get dirty or injured, as well as taking a walk with no lead or leaving the poop.
Furthermore, if your dog poops outdoors, it is etiquette to take it home. Be sure to carry a poop bag (etiquette bag) with you. Also, carry a plastic bottle with water so that you can drink water during the walk. PET bottles can also be used to wash away water when a dog pees on a telephone pole. Do not brush outdoors as hair will fly around.
Ø Time zone for a walk
For a comfortable walk, cool early mornings and evenings in summer and warm days in winter are recommended. In addition, look at the weather forecast and temperature and decide each time. For night walks, wear lights on your collars and leads to make them easier to see from your car.
Ø If the dog doesn’t like walking
Don’t overdo it and try to go to another day. If your dog gets stuck during the walk, don’t pull the leash; wait for the dog to start walking on its own.
Know the correct way to take a walk and have a fun walk
By observing the manners and rules of walking, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful walk with your dog.