9 Essential Tips For Walking Your Lurcher

Lurchers are primarily hunting dogs and are bred for speed and hunting. They are known for their stealth and silence.

Lurchers thrive best with a lot of daily exercise. They always appreciate a long daily walk. They are distance-running dogs and do not get tired quickly. 

The distance your Lurcher can walk depends upon its age, health, temperature, and time of the day. Under desirable conditions, a Lurcher needs two daily walks of an hour each. This can also include some free running in a fenced yard. The cooler the temperature, the longer and easier they can walk.

Remember that the walk requirements of an adult Lurcher and a puppy are different. The bones, muscles, and joints of Lurcher puppies are still growing and developing.

The best practice for walking a Lurcher puppy is around 5 minutes every month of age. For example for a 4-month-old Lurcher puppy, a walk of 15 minutes to 20 minutes is enough.

Related Reading: Can Lurchers Be Left Alone?

9 Tips for Walking a Lurcher

A daily walk will make your Lurcher happy and fit. Lurchers enjoy exploring different places, people, sights and smells. They will really look forward to walking and spending time with you.

Here are some useful tips for walking a Lurcher:

1. Train your dog to walk on the leash

Lurcher has a strong prey drive and should always walk on a leash. Choosing the right type of leash will give you greater control over your dog. Lurchers must be well-trained to walk on a leash. 

Pet Parent Tip: Never use a choke chain, slip or shock collars on your Lurchers while walking. This will be damaging for them in the long run.

2. Avoid strenuous long walks

Overly vigorous long walks are not necessary. Strenuous walks are high-impact activities for your dog’s joints and can possibly cause harm. 

3. Scoop the poop, Just in case!

You should always be prepared! Bring baggies and scoop to clean up after your Lurcher, just in case!

4. Maintain a consistent routine

Lurchers enjoy and thrive on a fixed routine. You should try to stick to a consistent walking routine.

5. Know your dog’s stamina

As a dog owner, you are the best judge of your Lurcher’s stamina. Puppies have limited stamina and can gradually build up as your little Lurcher gets older.

6. Avoid walking in extreme temperatures 

Both the extreme heat and the cold can really affect your Lurcher. You should protect yourself and your dog from excessive heat and sunburn. Try to go for a walk during the cooler parts of the day.

7. Monitor your Lurcher puppy 

Observe your dog on the walk for signs such as lagging behind, lying down, or panting. You should end the walk if your Lurcher pup seems too tired.

8. Bring along some treats

Wherever you take your Lurcher for a walk, there will be distractions. Your Lurcher will listen to you when you have treats in your hand. Bring along some healthy dog treats with you during long walks. 

9. Hire a dog walker

Lurchers need regular walks to stay healthy and happy. If you cannot spare enough time for your Lurcher, consider a professional dog walker. 

A socialized and well-trained Lurcher will always be a great walking partner.

Pet Parent Tip: When taking your Lurcher out for a walk, never leave them unattended and unsupervised.

When should I take my Lurcher for Long Walks?

Before you take your Lurcher for long walks, you should be extra cautious and keep in mind a range of factors. Let’s have a look at them:

Weather

Lurchers have a moderate tolerance for both hot and cold weather. Don’t take your Lurcher for long walks in extreme hot or cold temperatures. 

Your dog’s age

It is not recommended to take a senior Lurcher or pup for very long walks. Puppies and older Lurchers are more prone to health problems.

Distance

A healthy Lurcher should walk for more than an hour daily. It may be difficult for overweight Lurchers to go for long walks without taking multiple breaks.

Speed

Lurchers are known for their high speed. They have long legs and can walk at a fast pace.

Overall health condition

The more healthy a Lurcher is, the longer they can walk. If you feel that your dog is tired, lethargic, or emotionally stressed, talk to your vet before taking it for long walks.

How much exercise should a Lurcher get?

Lurchers are high-energy and active dogs. They need an ample amount of exercise and mental stimulation to burn their pent-up energy. Lurchers require at least an hour or more of exercise and physical activities daily.

Lurchers’ tolerance for exercise can be increased as long as they are healthy. Take it easy and gradually increase the amount of exercise every week.

If you own a senior or older Lurcher, it may need more support during long walks. You can invest in a dog harness that allows you to support some of its weight.

Regular exercise can prevent health issues and keep Lurchers in good shape. Lurchers can become problematic if their exercise needs are not met.

Other exercise ideas for Lurchers

In addition to the daily walk, it is essential to also provide some high-intensity activity and play sessions to your Lurchers. Some of the exercise ideas include:

• Fetch
• Frisbee toss
• Agility training
• Flirt pole
• Jogging or hiking
• Stair exercise
• Swimming 
• Tug of war
• Scenting and nose games
• Play sessions with other dogs 

It is important to provide both physical and mental outlets for your Lurcher. You will have an overall healthier and mentally more well-balanced dog.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate, and we may earn a commission.

Final Thoughts

Lurchers have high energy and endurance because they are usually mixed with a working breed. Lack of daily walking and other physical and mental activities will result in destructive behavior.

Walking should be a fun experience for you and your furry friend. This will spice up your Lurcher’s life and keep it fit and healthy. Remember… Respect your Lurcher’s preferences and never force it to walk with you.

So, do you want to walk with your Lurcher? Well, these dogs are capable of long walks and it is a recommended physical activity for them.