I have an old Chiahuaua-Rat Terrier dog, and she loves walks. I usually take her for 30 minutes a day, but often on longer walks she will go for upwards of 2 hours and not want to stop. What is the longest walk I should be giving her taking into account her old age? Most walks are all in urban areas or parks.
Posted Apr 18, 2019, 4:25 PM UTC
Every dog is individual. My sister has an old hound mix that gets pooped after ten minutes of a shuffle-walk, while my friend has an old beagle mix that can easily keep up with any human walker for hours. Observe your dog and go with what works. If you are experimenting with longer times just keep it near home so it isn’t far to go if he starts looking drained.
Depends on the dog I'd guess, they will let you know when they are knackered. My 7month old jrt can sometimes walk all day. Then some days shes done after 40 minutes.
Take your cue from the dog. Walk at her pace and as long as you both enjoy it. A dog will simply not walk if they can't or don't want to.
My late and great chihuahua rat terrier pug mix absolutely loved long walks, hikes (anywhere from 1-10 miles), and whatnot. I didn't get her until she was around 10 and she lived until 18. She only started slowing down on her walkies during her last few months (kidney disease accelerated quickly). But the point is - if your dog is happy, if they seem fine afterwards (not too sore), and still wants to go on more walks, I don't think you need to worry about it!
If she seems satisfied after 30 minutes (i.e. not destructive, crazy etc.) that seems more than fine. If she doesn't seem hurt, exhausted, stressed after two hours that also seems fine! Seriously, whatever your dog can personally handle is okay, and you're the best person to get a feel for that!