Benefits of Walking your dog
There are so many benefits of walking your dog daily! For one thing, walking your dog means exercise both for you and your dog. If you tend to be a sedentary person, having a dog can be a great motivator for you to get up and move, which will only improve your overall health. Daily movement means keeping muscles from weakening and joints from getting creaky and stiff. It can also regulate your metabolism. The exercise, combined with being out in nature, can help boost your mood, release stress and help you get your body moving.
From a social perspective, walking your dog means you are getting out of the house and therefore bumping into more people. This gives you a chance to meet that neighbor who is also walking with dogs or make a new friend at the dog park. You can also make plans with your friends with pups and plan a meet up for walking dogs together. It has been proven time and again that pet ownership provides mental health benefits for people.
Pets provide unconditional love, give people a daily purpose as the pup needs you to care for them, and can lower your stress just by being cute and fluffy. Taking your dog on a walk is also a great bonding experience. The more often you take a dog for a walk, the stronger the bond will become.
How Walking Contributes to Your Dog’s Health
For starters, your dog will need to go potty and it’s better to have them relieve themselves outside rather than in your home. Aside from the obvious necessity to eliminate waste, walking the dog provides exercise for your dog. The same goes for your dog: going on walks means exercise for your pup and a chance for them to explore the world and burn some of that pupper energy.
Dogs experience the world through their noses, so a chance to be outside and sniff all the smells is immensely important for your dog. It will help their mental health and allow them to blow off some steam, making for a calmer and happier dog. This can also keep some of the more destructive behaviors at bay, like scratching up the door or chewing up your favorite shoes. Dog walks differ from a run in the yard in that it allows your pup to explore nature, see other animals, explore new spaces and sniff all the smells. This is crucial for their mental and emotional well being.
Exercise will also help regulate your dog’s weight and keep them healthier than a dog who is sedentary. A dog that is overweight will often have multiple health problems down the road, which will decrease their overall quality of life, shorten their lifespan and result in expensive vet bills. Going on walks also gives your dog a chance to socialize with the other dogs walking in the neighborhood. Having a routine can also be helpful for your dog in that they have an understanding of how their day will go, which can be reassuring for them. It also allows them to regulate their bathroom habits and digestion.
Getting Ready for Dog Walking
Like any type of exercise, it is good to be prepared for a dog walking excursion. Do some light stretches to loosen up your muscles to prevent any strains. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Time the walks around the weather as needed. Don’t walk your pup during the hottest time of day, instead opt for early morning or early evening when temps are cooler and the sun isn’t as harsh. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat. Make sure you’re carrying water for yourself, and your dog, if it is especially warm or if you are planning on a longer walk. Treats are good for training your pup or to use as needed in situations that might warrant a treat.
If you have been sedentary for quite some time, you can ease into the walks. Start off with 15 min, then go up to 20, then 30, then 45 or 60 if you and your pups can handle it. Keep in mind what your dog is capable of! Not all breeds can go for long walks, and some seniors might not have the stamina.
Tips for Effective Dog Walking
If you are new to dog ownership, you might be wondering how to walk a dog. Here are some
tips:
● Always have your pup on a leash when in public spaces.
● Make sure you have plenty of plastic bags for picking up your dogs #2s.
● Be respectful of your neighbors and don’t let your pup go to the bathroom in someone’s flower bed, on their mailbox, etc. Always clean up after your dog.
● Allow your pup to sniff and explore but be mindful of what they are sniffing and the area you are letting them sniff. Some places do not permit dogs, or may have recently treated an area with pesticides or other poisons, etc. Not to mention some areas might have dangerous and tempting snacks for your dog, like a chicken bone.
● Be mindful of other people you encounter. Some people might not be comfortable with dogs, so it is best to read their reactions and act accordingly. Do not let your dog jump on people. Be extra careful around small children.
● Know your dog’s triggers, if they have any, and act accordingly. If your pup is reactive to runners, keep an eye out for them and hold tight or use a treat to distract your dog when they pass you.
● Switch up the locations of the walks to keep things interesting.
● In the summertime, there are benefits of walking your dog at night and benefits of walking your dog in the morning so as to avoid the extreme heat and sun midday
Your Responsibilities When Walking Your Dog
It is your responsibility to make sure your dog is walking in an area where they are allowed to be. Pay attention to signage and look up the rules for any local parks. Some parks, beaches,
boardwalks etc. do not permit dogs or only allow them in the area at specific times of the day or specific months of the year.
You are legally responsible for your dog, so you will be liable for any damages or harm your dog may cause to a property, wildlife or bodily harm to another person.
FAQ
Why is it important to walk you dog?
Provides exercise, controls weight, boosts mood, releases stress, allows dog to go to the bathroom, regulates their digestive system, helps foster a bond with the person, enhances dog’s overall sense of well being.
Is it good to walk your dog every day?
Yes!
Are dogs happier after a walk?
Yes!
How often should you walk your dog?
At least once a day, but your dog will benefit most from three 30min walks morning, midday and evening.
So go ahead and take the dog for a walk!
