All dogs need exercise, and Pitbull’s are no different. It is normal to be curious how much walking they can handle, how often you should walk your Pitbull, and what else you need to be aware of.
Pitbull’s, being a large dog breed, are undoubtedly capable of plenty of exercise, but it is still essential to understand what you should aim for in order to provide the best care possible for your new Pitbull.
How Much Should You Walk a Pitbull?
Pitbull’s need to be walked daily. A Pitbull should be walked at least 30-60 minutes each day. Breaking these walking sessions into two shorter walks is also okay.
This is the short answer to the question, and many new Pitbull owners or individuals considering adopting a Pitbull soon often have plenty of other questions on the topic of walking your Pitbull correctly, safely, and for the right durations.
That is what the rest of this post is going to break down for you.
Everything you need to know about walking your Pitbull.
Here is how I intend to break it down for you today:
- How Much Should You Walk a Pitbull?
- 3 Case Studies Explaining How Often to Walk Your Pitbull Terrier
- How Often Do You Walk a Pitbull Puppy?
- When Should You Begin Walking Your Pitbull?
- How Do I Get My Pitbull To Stop Pulling on The Leash?
- Walking Your Pitbull Can Provide Exercise for You and Your Pit
How Much Should You Walk a Pitbull?
If you ask 10 different Pitbull owners how much you should walk a Pitbull, you may very well get 10 different answers.
The reason for this is simple.
All Pitbull’s are different and depending on the overall lifestyle of not only your home, but your family and your Pitbull will help you begin understanding why this answer can be different in some situations.
Active Pitbull’s with large yards to play that naturally are moving around a lot throughout the day are going to get more exercise each day with little effort on your end.
On the flip side, a Pitbull who is couped up in a city apartment and does not get much of an opportunity for play, exercise, or socialize will need more attention when it comes to walking and providing exercise.
In these situations, is when it is recommended to give your Pitbull 30-60 minutes of walking each day.
Or at least some form of exercise, interaction, and socialization.
I hope this is making sense.
3 Case Studies Explaining How Often to Walk Your Pitbull Terrier
Case Study #1- My 2 Best Friends and Their Outdoor and Active Lifestyle
Lifestyle for Your Pitbull= Active and Moving
I have a good friend that I have known for a long time, and they recently adopted their second Pitbull Terrier.
They have two young boys, ages 7 and 3 in addition to the two dogs (Pitbull’s).
They are literally outside all the time; the kids are playing throughout the neighborhood, and they frequently have friends over to visit.
The Pitbull’s are both very well socialized and capable of remaining in the yard even without a leash, lead, or shock collar technology.
Naturally, both dogs are on their feet all day, running around the yard, playing with one another, and playing with the two young boys.
Both Pitbull’s are basically always on the move.
Maybe you see this as not a realistic situation for your Pitbull or a scenario that does not seem feasible based on your Pitbull’s tendencies.
If this is the case, you will want to provide that walking or some form of exercise for your Pitbull.
If this is you, and you can imagine this being your situation, then you do not have to stress over providing additional exercise.
Your lifestyle, your family, and your Pitbull’s socialization skills are taking care of these needs naturally on their own each day without the need for you to physically take them for the walk.
Total Walk Time Required by Pitbull Owner= Zero, The Lifestyle Replaces the Need
Case Study #2- My Family and Our Medium Active Lifestyle with A Fenced in Yard
Yes, friends, this is a real example, and I will explain my actual life for you in this example.
I live in a city with a population of 150,000, and the houses are relatively close together, but it is by no means farm living for my dogs.
Nor would it be considered rural living for a Pitbull.
However, I do have a decent size backyard (by my standards).
It is roughly 1/3 of an acre, but 400 square feet of that is either considered a wooden porch or a basketball court for my son.
I also work from home to interact during certain times of the day with the dogs.
On the flip side, I also have gaps in the day that are busy non-stop, where I will have the dogs outside for a good chunk of the day with plenty of water and some toys.
Keep in mind, this is also a scenario where two dogs are interacting with one another, providing socialization and a few games of chase around the yard.
A Jack Russell Terrier and a Yellow Lab.
During this time that they are outside, they run around like crazy in circles, chase each other and yes, sometimes, they just relax and chill.
For my 100lb yellow lab, this is plenty of exercise, and he is done for the day, which is the same scenario you can imagine it would be for a Pitbull Terrier.
No further walking or exercise is required.
On the flip side, my Jack Russell Terrier has endless energy and it still does her good to get at least one block or lap around the neighborhood in to tucker her out more.
As you can see, for a Pitbull in this scenario, you likely do not need to stress how you walk them or how far you walk them.
A large dog that has already been active all day should not need a lot of additional walking or exercise.
Especially during the warm months of the year.
During the winter, this may be a completely different story.
The exercise, socialization, and play they had experienced throughout the day is likely plenty for them to be ready to relax.
Would they still enjoy a walk?
Of course.
But in this scenario, I do not think that the length or duration of the walk for a Pitbull needs to be analyzed to intensely.
Case Study #3- Busy Work Life in The City Raising a Pitbull Terrier
In the scenario, I will not be giving my life story.
However, we can picture this scenario, and it is likely that this is more common than the other two scenarios already mentioned.
If you have a new Pitbull and live in the city, do not have a yard for your Pitbull, and your Pitbull is not presented many opportunities to get moving and get the blood flowing than walking your Pitbull and walking them often is 100% a requirement.
I would recommend that you aim for a minimum of 60 minutes of walking in these situations for your Pitbull.
Now that I feel good about presenting you with some examples of when to worry about how far and how often to walk your Pitbull, I want to dive into more specifics and frequently asked questions on the topic.
How Often Do You Walk a Pitbull Puppy?
Pitbull puppies should be walked for 5 minutes per month of age.
For example, you can and should walk a Pitbull puppy for 15 minutes if they are currently 12 weeks old or 3 months of age.
You can continue to increase this as your puppy ages and matures.
In fact, walking your Pitbull puppy can be beneficial in many other ways as well.
It helps to socialize your Pitbull puppy and get them familiar with the world around them.
It exposes them to new things, people, and even other animals while ensuring that they are burning off some energy, remaining healthy, and getting in some needed bonding time with you as the owner.
When walking your Pitbull puppy during the first 1 year, you want to be careful not to walk too often or too far.
For a dog that grows this quickly, the impact on joints and bones can be harmful if they are walked too far or put through strenuous exercise.
Nonetheless, a Pitbull puppy needs to be walked and can be an excellent way for you to bond and connect with your new Pitbull.
How Long Should Your Walks Be with A Pitbull? How Far Can Pitbull’s Walk?
Most Pitbull’s likely have the stamina, muscle mass, and desire to please their owner to walk for miles and until you are ready to stop.
However, this long of walking is not necessary and could be more harmful than good.
More experts believe a large dog should be provided 2-4 short walks that are roughly 15 minutes in length.
However, depending on how much exercise and previous movement they have had for the day, this can vary.
Think back to the examples I provided earlier.
Everyone has a different lifestyle and your dogs adapt to this life.
The best answer I can provide you with this question is to walk your Pitbull when you can and when it makes sense.
Do not overthink it and build a routine with your new Pitbull.
Dogs love routines, and once you formulate a plan and use consistency with your dog, they will be happy to stick to your walking schedule. They will even get excited about those daily walks each day.
When Should You Begin Walking Your Pitbull?
You can begin walking your Pitbull right away after the adoption.
However, in the beginning, when your Pitbull is a puppy, you want to keep the walks short compared to how often and how far you will walk an adult Pitbull.
Start with only walking your Pitbull puppy for 5 minutes for each month of age.
For example, a 5-month-old Pitbull puppy can go for 25 minutes on a walk, etc.
You can build up and continue to build a routine with your dog.
This method will ensure you never push for too far distances or place any undue stress on your Pitbull puppies’ joints and bones as they are growing.
How Do I Get My Pitbull To Stop Pulling on The Leash?
Getting a Pitbull to stop pulling on the leash takes time, patience, and the willingness to train your Pitbull.
Every Pitbull is going to be different based on their upbringing and socialization that has occurred.
However, some of the common tips that you can implement to begin starting this process include the following:
#1- Teach Your Pitbull Recall Training for A Better Walking Experience
The more your Pitbull understands basic commands and how to stay and come, the better.
Ultimately, having respect for you as the owner and understanding commands is discipline 101 for a Pitbull Terrier and makes every aspect easier.
Not only walking your Pit.
Work with your Pitbull as often as possible to keep this training muscle and building.
Trust me, as time passes, walking your dog will get easier and the leash pulling will become less of an issue.
#2- Reward Your Pitbull When They Do Not Pull on The Leash
Rewards go a long way with dogs. Pitbull’s included.
Make sure they know you are pleased with their behavior and when they walk calmly and appropriately.
#3- Walk More Often with Your Pitbull
Ever heard the phrase practice makes perfect?
It is 100% true, and the more accommodated your Pitbull can become with walking, the easier it will get, and the better they will be at not pulling on the leash.
#4- Utilize A No Pull Harness for Your Pitbull To Reduce Leash Pulling
Utilizing a no-pull harness for your Pitbull can be an excellent way to reduce pulling when walking your Pitbull.
Especially with more stubborn and quickly excited Pitbull’s.
#5- Walk Your Pitbull Where They Will Be Exposed to Less to Reduce Pulling
If you are continually being passed by a cyclist, or even seeing other dogs and animals on your walk, it is typical for a Pitbull or any dog to pull.
Choose a new route that is calmer and less exposing for your Pitbull to reduce leash pulling even further.
Walking Your Pitbull Can Provide Exercise for You and Your Pitbull
As you can probably tell, sometimes, you will be tasked with walking your Pitbull more often than others.
It comes down to your lifestyle and how active your Pitbull can be with a walk or without a walk.
Nonetheless, exercise and walking are a critical part of a Pitbull’s life and needs to be accounted for and provided.
If you do so, you are not only benefiting yourself but benefiting your protective, loyal, and highly affectionate Pitbull for years to come.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Pitbull’s and the journey you have ahead of you.
How Often Do You Walk Your Pitbull?
How often do you walk your Pitbull?
Do you have any other recommendations for the readers or tips for walking their Pitbull?
Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by and reading, and we will see you again next time.