Dog walking

Keeping your dog in the best shape requires the right nutrition and plenty of exercise. Now, the nutrition part we have covered but the exercise part is down to you. While some dogs need more exercise than others, there are numerous reasons why a daily walk is a critical requirement for your canine companions. With it being National Walk Your Dog Month, what better time to take a look at the multitude of benefits that come from regular, daily walks.

Walking Makes Your Dog Happy

Just like us humans, dogs love a change of scenery and enjoy exploring the great outdoors. They love to check out the scents and smells on their walk, leaving their own scents to communicate with other dogs with something that we like to call ‘peemail’. They are exhilarated and energised by the feeling of the open space, exploring both new and familiar territories and picking up their ‘peemail’ responses as they re-visit those familiar neighbourhood spots.

Regular Walks Help to Keep Dogs in Shape

Diet and exercise! The two things that determine your weight and how in shape you are. The same goes for your dog. They need the right amount of food, coupled with regular exercise to keep that waist trim and their bodies healthy. How much exercise they get goes hand in hand with how much food they require. Just like humans, they need to replace those lost calories and be careful not to eat too much if they aren’t receiving lots of exercise. For extremely active dogs that have copious amounts of exercise, an all-natural, organic nutritional supplement like  Dog , will make sure they are getting everything they need in their diet to achieve optimum health.

It Offers Them Mental Stimulation

Bored dogs, like bored children will find ways to entertain themselves much to the dismay of their owners. A bored dog can often display destructive behaviours including chewing and being generally boisterous and hyperactive. While toys and games will help to stimulate them, when the weather is particularly rough or you are pushed for time, nothing beats a walk when they are allowed to burn off all of that energy.

Socialising with Other Dogs

For lone dogs that don’t have a pal, walking can be a great way to socialise with other dogs in the neighbourhood. Socialising your dog from a young age means that you will be able to trust them around other dogs, let them off the lead on your walks and be more relaxed when you approach a strange dog (at least from your perspective).

It Strengthens Your Bond with the Dog

A daily walk with your dog helps to build your relationship, allowing you to spend quality time with them when you are not distracted by the demands of daily life that means they are not getting your undivided attention. It also gives you time to spend training them, improving their recall, playing games and is beneficial for both of you.

Walking Your Dog is Good for You Too

Not only are daily walks highly beneficial for your dog, they are also great for you too. They allow you to get out, take daily exercise, enjoy some time out with just your fur friend for company and it gives you a reason to explore new areas. You both get exercise, quality time together and even meet others along the way.

Dog Walks – Where to Go

• • A walk in the woods on an autumn or spring day is a lovely way to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. You can enjoy the local flora and fauna and take the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • The beach is a great place to let your dog run and play. Throw a ball for them and really let them blow off some steam. Check that dogs are allowed on the beach though as they may not be in the height of summer or at other times of the year.
  • A local, dog friendly park is enclosed and will have lots of green space for you to let your dog run around happily. They may even find some squirrels to chase.
  • Designated dog walks are available with dog friendly cafes, bars, restaurants and somewhere that you can enjoy a drink and some food. They often have bowls of water for your dog to take a drink from too. Remember not to let

them drink too much if they have been running around lots.

• Designated nature trails are also another option and enables you to explore new areas. You may be required to keep your dog on a lead as often these trails cross over agricultural land with livestock grazing.
• Around Your Local Neighbourhood – At the end of a busy day or before you leave for work, a quick walk around the neighbourhood is a good way to make sure that your dog gets some fresh air and exercise. They love the familiarity of the local neighbourhood, sniffing out the other dogs in an area that they recognise, picking up and sending their ‘peemail’.

Consider a Dog Walker

If you find yourself struggling to get out regularly because of ill health, old age or work commitments, it is a good idea to get someone local to walk your dog. If you can find a volunteer then great but otherwise consider the services of a local dog walker. It is very important that your dog gets the required exercise for both their physical and mental well-being.

We’d love to learn more about your favourite dog walks. Where do you go and how far? How often do you walk your dog? Drop us a comment below and share your experiences.