We all know it’s important to walk our dogs, but do we know all of the reasons why? While most people think it’s just because they need exercise, there are more benefits to it than that.
1. It gives them an outlet for their energy. If the energy they build up during the day doesn’t get expended, it can result in destructive behavior or separation anxiety. A good walk can calm a significantly hyper dog.
2. It’s also a good training aid. By draining the dogs energy with a walk, they will become more submissive. This can help with training commands and lead the way to a well behaved pooch.
3. It fulfills their roaming and exploring instincts. It’s their natural instinct to roam in search of food and water. So by walking them it gives them a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Regular walks will also help prevent their desire to run or bolt out the door.
4. It provides mental and physical stimulation. By letting them explore their surroundings, they will get mental workout as well as a physical work out.
5. Walking your dog regularly provides much needed social interaction. It’s an important part of any dogs life, especially in the younger years. While walking, you will most likely encounter other people, children and dogs. This helps build their confidence and social skills. If dogs aren’t walked regularly, they can become shy and even fearful around other people and dogs.
6. Walking gives them exposure not only to other people and dogs, it will help them become more comfortable with other things such as traffic noises, skateboards, loud trucks, mailmen, etc. Dogs who are not used to these things are often skittish and fearful and will see these things as a threat. Many dogs who aren’t used to these things will bark constantly, and we don’t want that! Walking them on the same route everyday can also help them find their way home if they manage to get out of the yard or house.
7. Walking your dogs together can help them bond, thus preventing problems within the pack.
8. Walking your dogs also gives them the attention that they crave, as they are social beings who love human interaction!
9. Regular walking also promotes longevity in your dog, as well as improve their quality of life.
10. A common myth is that if you have a large fenced in yard it is not necessary to walk your dog. Dogs typically will not exercise themselves, unless there is another dog to play with, so your yard will essentially become a large kennel to them, a place to be bored and alone. They still need the physical, social and mental stimulation as mentioned above. A dog that is left alone for hours during the day, even in a large yard, may not be a well-behaved dog at night.
It’s understandable that not everyone has the 30-45 extra minutes in the day to walk their dog, which is where I come in! Walking with me will keep them from being lonely, anxious and bored! Give me a call and let’s get your dog moving!