A dog needs to get a good walk in at least once a day. Hopefully, most dog owners are aware of that need. It doesn't have to be a marathon but 15-20 minutes is ideal. This is a question as a dog walker I get all the time with initial inquiries. The stock answer is 20 minutes tor half an hour. The truth is, its up to the dog. Every dog is different, has different requirements, is used to a specific area to walk in, etc. The weather factors in too. Some dogs have their big walk in the morning with their owner. Some owners, due to maybe an early work schedule, expect the dog walker to take that job over mid day (the busiest time of day for us). And, evening walks are a preference too. Even if you have a doggie door with a huge fenced in yard, a dog should have a daily walk if not two. But if you've never walked your dog and at the age of 10 ask your new walker/sitter to take the dog out for a minimum of half and hour, several times a day its an unfairness to your dog and a realization your walker will come to learn soon. You may be paying more for the amount of time you are asking for when in fact you may just require the dog be let out for potty relief, a brief bit of exercise and some play. A visit from a good walker/sitter should be able to offer potty relief, walk the dog and make time for play as well and do it within 20-30 minutes. 30-45 minutes is WORKING your dog, not walking. Granted some dogs need to burn off more energy than others. But then, you may really need a dog RUNNER or visits to a dog park. Being honest about the care you really need for your pet with realistic expectations is a great gift you can give yourself - then you'll have a happy healthy dog at the end of the day.
