The Importance of Daily Walks for Yourself and Your Dog
When I first adopted my dog, Charlie, I was so excited to take him on walks. I dreamed of all the parks, beaches, and hiking trails we would explore. In reality, the only “walking” Charlie wanted to do was to his food bowl and his bed.
Unlike Charlie, many dogs look forward to their daily walks. But where does the tradition of dog walking begin? According to an article by life.com, the first professional dog walker began his career in 1964 by walking an acquaintance’s dog. After a few years, he had employed dozens of people walking hundreds of dogs all over the city.
As a dog walker myself, I can safely say that I’m busiest during the middle of the day when dog owners are at work. Dropping by for a mid-day walk breaks up the day for my clients’ pups, and it gives them the chance to stretch their legs. Walking helps burn excess calories and keeps the pounds off, as reported by vcahospitals.com. “People and pets get stiff when sedentary for too long, and keeping joints in motion improves their function,” says Krista Williams, DVM.
Of course, my job is to make sure each dog gets plenty of exercise, but there’s more to it than just physical stimulation. According to Mary Simon of outdoordogadventures.com, “A mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog.” That mental stimulation is achieved through one of the oldest senses: sniffing. As Simon says, “Dogs crave enrichment on their walks, and sniffing provides them with crucial mental stimulation.” Walks also help prevent destructive behavior, which often occurs when dogs are bored. Watching wildlife, exploring new paths, and seeing other people with their pets are great mental stimulation for your dog, according to vcahospitals.com.
Not only do dogs benefit from walks, but their owners do, as well. As stated by Krista Williams of vcahospitals.com, “In a 2008 study based in Seattle and Baltimore, adults who regularly walked their dogs were less likely to be obese than their non dog-owning neighbors. In addition, walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, and type-2 diabetes.”
Taking your dog for a walk doesn’t have to be the same old routine, either. Spice it up by taking your pup to a hiking trail or a dog beach. If you’re stretched for time but still want to do something different, take your dog on a different route than usual. This will give them the opportunity to meet new dogs and enjoy new smells.
Walking your dog daily helps create a strong bond that can last a lifetime. Not only is it beneficial for the physical and mental well-being of yourself and your pup, but it gives you the chance to make new memories.