Happy National Walk Your Dog Day! Time to lace up those sneakers and strut your stuff – doggie style! Today, we’re barking about the importance of walking your furry friend enough! We know life as a pet parent can get busy, but skipping walks, or cutting walks too short, can lead to a whole host of problems for you and your pup!
Walking your dog is much more than just a reason to get some fresh air. By simply walking your dog every day for 30-45 minutes you are preventing canine behavior issues, obesity and more! We have compiled a list of 10 convincing reasons why you should go grab your dog’s leash and take your best friend out for a stroll!
- Taking your dog for a walk will calm him or her down. Dogs build up energy throughout the day that they’re just dying to let out. If your dog’s energy isn’t released during a walk then it’s extremely likely for them to act out through bad behavior. Having a tired dog will cause him or her to be calm and relaxed! Good for you, good for your dog, and good for your home!
- Social interaction. Socialization is an important part to anyone’s life – especially your dog! While walking around you may bump into a friend or your dog’s friend! Building your dog’s social skills will make for peaceful interactions in the near future.
- Aids in training your dog. Having your dog use his or her energy during a walk will allow for a calmer mind. This is a time where your dog is most likely to focus on you and your training. Remember you should be the one walking your dog, not the other way around!
- The dog won’t walk himself! Dogs will take responsibility for their own health. So if they have to go to the bathroom and you refuse to take them for a walk, they will most likely go potty in your home. By taking your dog for walks constantly, he or she will learn that walks are the time to go to the bathroom.
- Provides mental and physical stimulation. During a walk your dog will uncover new smells, sounds and sights. Exploring new surroundings happens to be an instinctual activity for dogs.
- Exposure to the world beyond your home. Dogs who are kept cooped up inside a house all day are not going to be familiar with things around the neighborhood. Many dogs will bark in fear or become skittish if they’re around a strange thing. By getting them familiar with other surroundings and objects, they will become more comfortable with the world they live in.
- Prevents Obesity! Unlike humans, dogs don’t realize that they are gaining weight. Since they cannot go to the gym or attend yoga classes alone, it’s your goal to get them back in shape! Walks will allow your dog to walk off the pounds and aid in lengthening the life of your dog!
- Bonding time! It’s very important to have a strong bond with your dog. After all, a dog is a man’s best friend. By simply walking your dog you are providing them with the attention and interaction they long for. Also walking your dog with other dogs will help them develop relationships.
- Fulfill your dog’s natural instincts. Walking is a dog’s natural instinct! Walking provides a sense of direction and accomplishment. Walks can help prevent your dog’s desire of running away!
- A reason to get out! The best part of walking your dog is that you have your very own walking buddy! You get to enjoy the fresh air and world around you with your best friend.
As you can see, walking your dog is an essential factor to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle for your dog! Your dog will behave better and get into the best shape of their life! Who knew walking had SO many benefits! Not to mention you can get yourself in shape too!
Remember that a dog that is not walked often can develop some bad habits! These include becoming anxious, destructive and even bored. A bored dog will act out! Walk your dog to prevent any behavioral issues and prevent obesity! It’s ALWAYS a beautiful day for a stroll in the park. What’s a better way to celebrate National Walk Your Dog Day than to take your best friend for a relaxing walk? Go grab that leash and head out the door!
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