Quality time is necessary in just about any relationship. It’s important to find something you both enjoy, and work from there. As owners, it makes us happy to make our dogs happy. When it comes to your pet, a daily walk is one of the most mutually beneficial activities out there. Here’s why daily walks with your dog are even more important than you thought.
Strengthen the bond
Spending time exploring together is bound to intensify the bond between two souls. This one on one time is instrumental to your dog’s behavioral development and the dynamic of your relationship. When you’re out adventuring, your pup is entirely trusting you to keep them safe and eventually get them back home. Communicate with your dog and praise them whenever they’re behaving the way you’d like them too. Positive encouragement reinforces the behavior you want to see and helps them learn what you want out of them.
Physical and Mental stimulation
Exercise is the most obvious perk of daily walks with your canine counterpart. On average, dog owners are 57% more likely to achieve the recommended degree of physical activity than non-owners. Studies also concluded that a mere 30-minute stroll three times a week can lower the average person’s weight by 5% and the average dog’s weight by 15%. So, this is truly a win-win situation for both of you. If your dog is particularly energetic, you may be better suited taking two walks a day to make sure your pup gets a chance to blow off enough steam. Exercise walks (also known as leadership walks) make sure you both get your heart rates jumping. These walks are centered around getting from point A to point B quickly and making sure your dog walks beside you the entire time, not venturing off to pee on every lilac they can lay their eyes on.
Beyond physical exercise, walks can provide a lot of mental activity. Taking “scent walks” are an excellent way to keep your dog mentally engaged and stimulated while you’re out. Scent walks basically prioritize letting your dog thoroughly sniff interesting smells that get their attention instead of reaching a certain destination as quickly as possible. Taking your dog to a new park or trail can spice things up, expose them to some brand new scents, and keep them mentally engaged. Scent walks and exercise walks both have their advantages. Pay attention to what’s best for your particular situation.
Socialization
There’s no better time to socialize your pup than walking around the community. Walks can provide great opportunities to familiarize your dog with other dogs and people. The more used to a situation they are, the more likely they are to behave. Dog parks are another way to socialize your pup, but with various smells and different pooches to pay attention to, the situation could be overwhelming and stressful. A small interaction on a walk is far more intimate and could be more effective if your dog is naturally on the anxious side. Each positive interaction will only strengthen their confidence and make them more comfortable in future social situations.
Summary
Daily walks are all too important for a healthy pup and a healthy relationship between the two of you. Be sure to pick up after them, use a leash, and create some wholesome memories.
