Sometimes walking our dogs might feel like a chore and we may wonder if we need to walk our dogs at all, but taking your dog for a walk has great benefits and is good for us humans too! 🙂
Walking can improve the mental and physical health of both human and dog.
Deep down we know walking is good, but sometimes we make up excuses why we cannot walk our dog. If we make it fun and throw on our favorite music, or podcast then we can create a positive experience for us make it more likely we will walk our dog again.
A fun motivational tip is to listen to a particular playlist, book, or podcast while on that walk so you look forward to the walks and dedicate that for only your dog walks. Here are more motivation tips from FitBark a GPS and Fit Tracking collar for your dog. (genius)
The CDC recommends walking about 20 minutes a day and this is great for dogs too depending on their age, and the weather. Even if you walk your dog for 10 minutes, that is better than no walk, right? My motto is keep it simple and allow for flexibility without judgment.
Reasons Why You Should Walk Your Dog:
1. Strengthen your bond AKA (My dog listens to me.)
A strong bond between you and your dog makes life easier and dog training more effective. Walking your dog is a great way to build your bond in a fun and natural way.
2. Added mental stimulation to your dog’s life
Every walk is a new experience and even more so for young dogs. This provides an easy way to add in simple training opportunities, expose your dog to new things and give them a chance to explore with their nose.
3. Reducing blood pressure for you and your dog
High blood pressure can cause many chronic conditions and lead to disability, lower quality of life and potentially even be deadly. Don’t wait until a doctor orders you to walk, go walk now and enjoy your pup!
4. Increasing your energy levels
Exercise, including walking, helps boost you & your dog’s energy levels through a number of ways shown in scientific studies.. like promoting production of more mitochondria, boosting oxygen levels, and helping you sleep better too.
5. Weight loss for you and your dog
Keeping our weight at healthy levels is a good goal but sometimes it’s easy to forget that our dogs need to stay healthy too and keeping the weight down can sometimes be a challenge for them in certain living situations. If you live in a small apartment or your dog doesn’t have good, and safe, access to an outdoor space then walking is even more important!
Pair walking, and other fun exercise, with a mindful diet and you and your dog can enjoy a lower weight.
Tips for walking your dog
Varying the types of walks you can take with your dog can serve as enriching exercises and prevent behavior problems displayed by your dog.
- Sniffy Walks
- encourage them to explore the world with their nose
- a mentally stimulating walk
- Decompression Walks
- relaxed exploration
- Structured Walks
- simple loose leash walking
- Training Walks
- other focused training tasks while walking
- Potty Break Walks
- focused on letting them go potty… don’t forget your bag!
Teaching your dog various cues for the walks mentioned above will help add predictability.
Like babies, dogs thrive on predictability.
Allowing your dog to offer the behaviors taught can provide your dog with the power of choice and empower them!
Empowering your dog, strengthens your bond and results in better communication and a responsive dog who listens to you.
Look for a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer?
Shelly Haines is a professional certified positive dog trainer in South Austin, available virtually for some offerings.