In a flat, your dog has no garden to stretch their legs. Outings are their only way to get outside: to do their business, burn off energy, sniff and meet other dogs. Here are some guides to help you organise your days.
The basic guide: at least three outings a day
For a healthy adult dog, we generally advise at least three outings a day. One long walk is not enough, because your dog needs to go to the toilet several times a day.
A common routine looks like this:
- Morning: an outing on waking, for toilet needs and a little walking.
- Midday or afternoon: a short outing, or a longer one if you are at home.
- End of the day: the big walk, with time to sniff and burn off energy.
- Evening: a last turn before night.
If you work away from home all day, the midday outing is the hardest to cover. A neighbour, a dog walker or a day care can step in.
Adapting to age
The puppy
A puppy needs very frequent outings to learn house training: on waking, after every meal, after play. The walks themselves stay short. Avoid long runs and repeated jumps while they are growing, especially for large breeds. Your vet can give you guides for their breed.
The adult dog
This is the age when the need for activity is strongest. The total length of outings depends mostly on their breed and temperament.
The older dog
They often need to go out more often, but for less time. Choose several short strolls rather than one long one. If they lag behind, limp or quickly run out of breath, talk to your vet.
Adapting to temperament
A herding or hunting dog needs far more activity than a calm companion dog. Our guide to the breeds that live well in a flat gives examples. A dog that is not burning off enough energy often shows it:
- they pace in circles or pester you non-stop in the evening;
- they chew furniture or shoes;
- they bark more than usual;
- they pull very hard on the lead at the start of every outing.
These signs can have other causes. If outings are already frequent and nothing changes, ask a vet or a dog trainer for advice.
Quality matters as much as length
A walk where your dog heels along the same pavement every day keeps them only a little busy. A few simple changes make it richer:
- Let them sniff: sniffing occupies a lot of their mind and helps them relax.
- Vary the routes: new smells interest them more than an identical route.
- Use a long line in parks where it is allowed: they gain freedom while staying safe.
- Plan meetings with dogs they know and like.
- Slip in a little training: a recall, a "sit" before crossing. A few minutes are enough.
Outings in hot or cold weather
In summer, go out early in the morning and late in the evening. Put the back of your hand on the tarmac: if it is too hot for you, it is also too hot for their paw pads. Take water. Dogs with short muzzles, such as the French bulldog, are very sensitive to heat: at the first sign of panting, move them into the shade.
In winter, shorten outings for short-haired or older dogs. Wipe their paws when you get back, especially if there is salt on the pavements.
After the walk, rest
A dog who has burned off plenty of energy needs to recover in peace. A comfortable bed in a quiet corner of the living room helps them settle. You will find beds, dog sofas and mattresses in our dog collection. On rainy days, when outings are shorter, our guide to keeping your dog busy indoors gives you ideas.
In short
- Plan at least three outings a day for an adult dog, including a longer one.
- For a puppy, frequent, short outings; for an older dog, shorter ones and more often.
- Let them sniff and vary the routes.
- Adapt the timing to heat and cold.
- Restlessness or destruction despite regular outings: ask for advice.