Why City Dogs Need More Than an Hour Walk a Day
Image Credit: Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett
As dog owners, we all want the best for our furry friends. Walking our dogs is a daily ritual, a chance to stretch legs, explore the neighbourhood, and enjoy fresh air together. But in the bustling city environment, a typical one-hour walk may not be enough to meet your dog's physical, mental, and social needs.
At Milo's Dog Club, we understand the unique challenges that city dogs face and why a more structured, stimulating approach is essential for their wellbeing.
The Reality of City Living for Dogs
Dogs in London often live in apartments or homes without gardens, surrounded by traffic, noise, and limited green spaces. While a one-hour walk provides basic exercise, it often does not give dogs the variety or intensity required to stay healthy and happy. Dogs are naturally active and curious animals. They thrive on:
Physical exercise – running, jumping, and exploring help maintain weight and cardiovascular health
Mental stimulation – sniffing, discovering new scents, and problem-solving support brain development
Social interaction – positive experiences with other dogs and people help build confidence and reduce anxiety
Without adequate stimulation, city dogs may develop boredom-related behaviours such as chewing, excessive barking, or digging indoors. These behaviours are not signs of misbehaviour but signals that your dog’s needs are not being fully met.
Why One Hour Isn’t Enough
For many breeds, especially high-energy dogs such as Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Labradors, and German Shepherds, an hour walk is simply insufficient. These dogs require structured exercise that allows them to burn energy, explore, and engage socially.
Our experience at Milo's Dog Club shows that combining different types of activity – such as pack runs, adventure walks, and one-on-one sessions – produces happier, healthier dogs. For example:
Pack Runs: Our signature service allows small groups of up to four dogs to run freely across Wimbledon Common. Dogs benefit from both socialisation and endurance training, completing up to 9 km each session.
Adventure Walks: Sensory-focused walks through parks and trails in West London, designed to engage dogs with sights, sounds, and smells beyond their urban surroundings.
One-on-One Sessions: Tailored exercise for dogs not suited to pack environments, ensuring that every dog gets the attention and care they need.
These activities go far beyond a simple walk, providing both physical exertion and mental enrichment.
How City Walks Affect Health and Behaviour
Regular, high-quality exercise has a profound impact on a dog’s health and behaviour. Dogs who receive only a short walk each day may struggle with:
Weight management and obesity
Anxiety and stress
Lack of focus and attention
Destructive behaviours at home
By incorporating more extensive and varied activity into your dog's routine, you support:
Strong muscles and cardiovascular fitness
Mental resilience and problem-solving skills
Social confidence with other dogs and humans
Overall happiness and wellbeing
At Milo's Dog Club, we see first-hand how a well-structured activity schedule transforms dogs from restless or anxious to confident, calm, and content.
Why Milo’s Dog Club is the Ideal Choice
We are not just a dog walking service. Our team in West London is dedicated to creating an environment where every dog thrives. Here's why we stand out:
Expert Team: All our runners and walkers are trained, experienced, and passionate about dogs.
Tailored Approach: Services like one-on-one walks ensure your dog’s specific needs are met.
Small Groups: Pack runs are limited to four dogs to ensure safety and personalised attention.
Local Expertise: We explore the best green spaces in Shepherd's Bush, Chelsea, Fulham, Putney, Southfields, and Clapham Common.
Holistic Care: Beyond exercise, we work with trainers, osteopaths, and nutritionists to support overall health.
Home-from-Home Boarding: Dogs stay in comfortable, family-style homes with daily walks and garden time.
We are committed to making your dog’s experience in London fulfilling, stimulating, and safe.
Tips for Keeping Your City Dog Happy
Even if you can’t join a pack run every day, there are ways to enrich your dog’s routine:
Mix up your routes – explore new parks and streets to keep walks interesting.
Encourage sniffing – give your dog time to explore scents; it’s mentally enriching.
Add variety – combine walks with runs, puzzle games, or training sessions.
Socialise safely – allow positive interaction with other dogs in controlled environments.
These simple changes can dramatically improve your dog's happiness and health, complementing more structured services.
Conclusion
For city dogs, a one-hour walk is often just the beginning. To truly support your dog's health, happiness, and behaviour, a mix of physical activity, mental stimulation, and socialisation is essential. Services like Milo's Dog Club’s pack runs, adventure walks, and one-on-one sessions offer the perfect solution.
We understand that every dog is unique, which is why we tailor our services to meet their individual needs while exploring the best outdoor spaces West and South West London have to offer.
FAQs
How often should a city dog be walked?
Most dogs benefit from at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise daily, split into multiple sessions if possible, to combine physical activity and mental stimulation.
What makes Milo's Dog Club different from regular dog walking?
Our services go beyond simple walks. We provide structured pack runs, adventure walks, and personalised one-on-one sessions, with a focus on holistic health, safety, and socialisation.
Can high-energy breeds be safely exercised in London?
Absolutely. Our team carefully manages pack sizes, routes, and pacing to ensure every dog, including high-energy breeds, can exercise safely while enjoying a stimulating experience.
If you want your dog to thrive in the city, we invite you to join the Milo's Dog Club community. Book a free bonding session today, and let us create the perfect adventure tailored for your dog.
