Importance of walking the dog

Walking your dog every day is an absolutely vital part of being a responsible pet owner and is so much more than simply a toilet break for your dog, or even a chance for a bit of exercise. Dogs need mental stimulation and social interaction just like humans do, and nice long walks provide both of these in abundance.

Any dog owner will tell you how excited their pooch gets at first site of the dog lead coming out - it is the one thing that dogs absolutely love to do. As a dog owner it is important to supply them with this positive attention by doing something with them that they absolutely love. Walks are also a great opportunity to practice obedience skills too, and it really helps an owner and the dog to bond.

The physical work out of the walk is important too and will keep a dog healthy and happy for a long time to come. Even dogs that have back gardens to roam about in still benefit from being walked as they often won’t get the full exercise they need otherwise. Being able to run freely and explore new sites and smells will provide them with mental stimulation and the physical exercise they need for good health.

Generally speaking, dogs need two walks a day, however dogs that live in apartments or places without outdoor space would really benefit from three or even four walks a day. They don’t have to be hour long hikes, just twenty minutes in the local park is sufficient to fulfill their needs. The best time to walk a dog is after their meal(s) as this is when they are most likely to need a toilet break.

Taking your dog for a walk is absolutely crucial for the health and stimulation of your dog. It is best to get into a daily routine so that it is never missed or put at the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list. Have any of you got any tips on walking dogs? Send in your comments below.