Dog walking is a great way for you and your dog to maintain good health. Dogs are happiest when they explore the wild. They love to sniff all the scents which they will have to offer and never seem to get rid of them. It is their way of socializing with their surroundings. When this is such a happy occasion, one should never deprive them of it. So, taking your dog out for more than just “potty breaks” is something very productive. It allows them to explore together and create an opportunity to do something interesting. Lack of exercise leads to unwanted diseases like obesity which can be a real dampener when they grow old. Hence, dogs need a minimum of 2 hours of walking time in a day! So, let’s look at the benefits of taking your dogs out for a walk and also learn about a few tips to help your dog walk the right way.
How often should you take your dog out for a dog walk?
You should take your dog out for a minimum of 30 to 40-minute walks every day. This is ideal for most large-breed canines. However, if your canines are of a smaller breed, then you can split the walk time into shorter durations only because their strides are shorter.
Why is a dog walking essential?
Just like humans, dog walking provides overall exercise to our canines. Also, exercise keeps their boredom at bay. So, if our dogs are well exercised, then their excess energies are expanded and their destructive behavior is under control. Also, a good walk will satisfy the cravings of sniffing and keeps your dog’s mental health at peace. Indeed, this is equally important to keep them healthy and happy.
Benefits of taking your dog out for walking daily:
Taking your dog out for walking has so many benefits associated with it. As humans need a good healthy lifestyle, so do your canines companions too. So, why not walk regularly and keep both your dog and yourself very healthy? Also, walking helps your dog make friends with other dogs and humans. It also helps in boosting their confidence and decreases social anxiety.
Also, dog walking keeps your dog’s joints in good condition. It is important to keep the joints and muscles firm to avoid age immobility. This is very common with obese dogs and therefore, it should be avoided consciously. A proper walk helps in improving the pooch’s digestive system. If you have an open space, you can also conduct training sessions by teaching your dog how to walk by following all walking rules like sit, slow down, stop, run, etc.
Tips on how to make your dog walk?
1.) Taking your dig out can be a bit tiresome process, especially if your dog is constantly pulling on the leash and moving faster at his own pace. It also leads to injuries, not just to your shoulders but also to your dog’s trachea and neck. Plus sudden jerks which occur when you pull your dog’s leash to stop them can lead to injuries or can cause paralysis. Therefore, as pet parents, you must get past the tug of war during all your walks. Initially, you can start by rewarding them with tasty treats every time they follow your command while you are taking them for a walk. At times, they might just refuse to move. This is because they are nervous and they do not want to consider that route. In such situations, you should urge them to do something. Dogs do enjoy a little bit of enthusiasm and they then follow your lead.
2.) You can then play a quick ‘go fetch’ game with your dog inside your yard. In this way, you are helping them spend excess energy which otherwise helps them break into a leash-pulling run as soon as you open your gates.
3.) You can help them pay attention to you and make eye contact by using rewards like tasty treats which is indeed a motivating factor for your dogs.
Takeaway:
Exercise needs are based on your dog’s breed, size, and age. But a good thumb rule is that you should spend at least 30 minutes every day on a dog activity. If your dog has a yard to play in, then walking isn’t the only exercise. There are many things to keep them active. Also sometimes, dogs do not self-entertain, so you play different games with them. You can also fetch more ideas on what activities can be done to keep your dog healthy.
If you are busy, then you can also take your dog to doggie daycare, or hire a dog walker. This will indeed keep you and your dog happy.
