Walking your dog can seem like a mundane task, but there are some great benefits to walking them regularly, and we’re going to go through them all in the hopes that one of them sparks your interest in getting you on track, walking your special companion!
Decreases Destructive Behavior
When you’re both cooped up in the house, you may notice your dog developing more destructive behavior. The reason for this is usually a lack of mental stimulation and physical exercise. Walking your dog is a healthy and productive outlet that provides both! Prevent your dog from becoming bored by walking him regularly and giving him something better to do than chew your slippers or bark at the neighbor’s cat.
Improved Fitness
Your dog can benefit from the increased exercise routine, but you can also gain some positive fitness abilities by walking your dog! If you’re consistent in building your walks each day, you may start to feel like you can walk farther and longer each time with less strain on your body. The more you do it, the easier it will become. Who knows, your daily walk may evolve into a daily jog or occasional hike on the nearest nature trail.
Makes Your Dog Happier
Well, it’s not hard to imagine what all this extra time spent with your pup will result in. You are your dog’s best friend, and getting his needs met while sniffing and exploring the world will no doubt lead to a happier existence for him. Not to mention the added perk of a more relaxed and content dog back at home! You can’t go wrong by taking a good old-fashioned walk with your dog.
Improves Your Dog’s Health
Regular walking will preserve your dog’s health by preventing obesity! We all see the internet memes glorifying the “big chunk” of a dog who looks more akin to a marshmallow than the canine’s wolven ancestors. The sad truth about overweight and obese dogs is that they are more prone to developing arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, resistance to insulin, etc. Keeping your pet healthy is much more important than a few good laughs, so if not for you, get walking for your dog’s health, keeping unexpected vet visits at bay.
Improves Your Health
While walking your dog may seem like a kind gesture towards your pet, it can also benefit your health. A simple walk with your dog is an excellent way to stay active without a high level of impact on your joints or risk of injury at the gym or during sports. Dog owners who walk their dogs regularly have seen significant increases in heart health, muscle and bone strength, and overall cardio fitness resulting in better oxygen distribution.
Community Involvement
It’s very common for people to view someone with a dog as “more approachable,” so walking your dog may help you get involved with others socially and open the door to friendly conversations with your neighbors. Many prospective dog owners will search for “Maltipoo puppies for sale” or another particularly small and adorable dog to gain more attention on outings with their dog. Still, the truth is natural dog people tend to fawn over just about any dog, so you don’t need to go out of your way to get a breed based on looks. Get a dog that best suits you, and don’t worry about everyone you pass on the streets. The ones who genuinely care will still stop for a chat, ask your dog’s breed, name, or age, and you’re sure to make some new friends along the way.
More Training Opportunities
As you walk your dog, you’ll notice more about their personality and socialization skills. One day you may come across a sewer grate you’ve never walked on before and realize your dog is terrified of crossing it, or perhaps a nearby semi-truck blows its horn and startles your pup. Taking walks can familiarize your dog with these strange occurrences that may be far out of his realm simply because he’s never experienced these environmental sights and sounds. Practicing basic obedience in new locations along your walk can also solidify the commands he knows and increase your dog’s confidence and reliability.
Since there are so many great benefits to walking your dog, now is the time to get back into a routine and plan your next outing together. Dogs are very social creatures with a strong sense of smell, so don’t hesitate to stop along the way for a bit of added fun and adventure. Sniffing a new patch of grass with their favorite person is one of many dogs’ most exciting (and easily attainable) pastimes!
Read More: How does diet affect your pet’s behavior?
