Many people think that having a yard for your dogs means daily walks aren’t necessary. This is a common misconception. Going on a walk is the most enriching activity you can do with your dog. The sights, smells and sounds give your dog the mental and physical stimulation they need. It’s National Walk Your Dog Week so we’re discussing why it’s extremely important to take your dog on a daily walk.
National Walk Your Dog Week
Exercise: Obesity rates are growing in America. People are getting fatter and so are our pets. It’s imperative that you give your dog the exercise they need, especially if you have an active dog. It doesn’t take much for an animal to pack on the pounds. We control how much exercise our pets get and what/when they eat, so don’t do them a disservice by allowing them to gain weight. Daily walks give your dog the exercise they need to stay active and fit.
Mental stimulation: Dogs have an amazing sense of smell. Think about all of the wonderful scents that linger in our neighborhoods. If you live in a suburban neighborhood like me, there are always people walking dogs, which means the scents from other dogs line the sidewalks. I take Wynston and Khloee on a walk every night but we switch up the route. We go down different streets so the smells are different and my dogs get to experience something new. The backyard smells get boring very quickly – there’s never anything new to enjoy.
Training opportunity: Walks are a great time to train your dog. Sometimes we take Wyn and Khloee on walks when there aren’t people typically out (late at night or during the school day) so we can take them off leash in the greenbelt areas to work on recall and sit-stays. Walks are also great for reactive dogs if you use positive reinforcement methods. For more information on reactivity and positive reinforcement training, visit my friend Lara’s blog, Rubicon Days!
Digestive health: Walks can help with your dog’s constipation issues and aid in digestive health.
Helps with boredom: If your dog is getting regular walks and exercise, they will be less likely to chew up your shoes, dig holes in the yard or participate in other destructive behavior.
Relaxation: Does your dog have pent up energy? Routine walks can help curb all of that extra energy, especially before bedtime. Walking with dogs can also be very meditative for humans – leave your phones at home!
Attention: Is your dog barking and scratching at you? They are bored! Take them on a walk. It will relieve them of boredom and allow you to spend time with your dog. Walks are a great way to strengthen the bond with your dog and build trust.
Although you may switch up your neighborhood walk route, consider taking your dogs to walk at a local preserve or park. It’s great for you and your dog to experience different surroundings while getting some fantastic exercise. In honor of National Walk Your Dog Week, take your dog somewhere special to walk. They will be so excited to take in all of the new sights and smells!
Where do you like to walk your dog?
This is a blog hop hosted by Rubicon Days, Cascadian Nomads and Tenacious Little Terrier!
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Forest Poodles says
I agree that it is a common misconception that if a dog has a yard to play in they don’t need walks. I’ve noticed this to be a very common thing out here in the countryside where dogs are given free range of acreage. Walks are essentials! Thanks for making some awesome points! I think I’ll head out for a walk…
Amanda says
I can imagine it is harder for people with land to imagine! In Arizona most people don’t have large yards and they STILL don’t take their dogs on walks. It makes me so sad for the dogs!
Sharon, Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog says
I agree with all the points you make about walking your dog. Cody and Bailey get so much out of their daily walk it’s to list all the benefits, but I especially love the bonding time it gives us every day.
Amanda says
That’s so great, Sharon! The bonding is really great. I definitely have a great bond with Khloee and Wynston because of all the time we get together, walks and all!
Jen Gabbard says
It still amazes me how many dogs don’t get to go for daily walks; like you say it’s their only real chance to get out and explore, a backyard alone just doesn’t cut it for stimulation.
Amanda says
It is very sad. Like we always say – if you don’t have time for a dog, don’t get one!