The Best Benefits of walking your dogs
(Keef Whiteman - BA English & Psychology, Student of Canine Behaviour at FOTD & PA to Scotty Valadao)
There's little doubt that dogs absolutely love going for walks. Walking your dog is a simple task that has a positive impact on many aspects of overall health. There are many benefits that go beyond just health.
Here are some reasons why you should make dog walking a regular part of your routine:
Here are some reasons why you should make dog walking a regular part of your routine:
- It saves you time and money: Walking the dog is a form of exercise which comes with little to no expense. There’s no ‘gym contract’ or fee involved and it becomes a regular, cheap and healthy part of your scheduled day.
- Physical exercise: Walking is an excellent form of exercise for both humans and dogs.
- Weight and body condition: Obesity is a major health issue, but barring medical complications, it has a reasonable solution: burn more calories than consumed. Regular exercise, like walking, is a good way to burn those excess calories and keep the pounds off – for both you and your dog.
- Joint health: Immobility is another common health problem. Joints, even old ones, need to work. People and pets get stiff when sedentary for too long, and keeping joints in motion improves their function. Not to mention, mobility also helps keep muscles active, preventing them from weakening.
- Digestive and urinary Health: Regular walking helps regulate the digestive tract. Some dogs, like some people, prefer to “go” on a schedule and providing your dog with routine trips outdoors prevents constipation. Also, when urine sits in the bladder for long periods of time, bladder infections are more likely to occur, so regular emptying keeps this part of the anatomy happy as well.
- Mental stimulation: Going for walks exposes your dog to new sights, sounds, and smells. It stimulates their mind, prevents boredom, and builds confidence.
- Socialization: Regular walks allow your dog to interact with other dogs and people.
- Bonding: Spending quality time outdoors with your dog strengthens your bond.
- It improves your mood: While walking the dog can significantly reduce stress, it can also enhance your mood and genuine feelings of happiness. Walking the dog can actually increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the pleasure centre of the brain. There has actually been a series of studies conducted which have found dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those who do not own a dog. Other than the chemical and hormonal impact, dogs provide companionship. Taking the dog for a walk is a great way to have a pleasurable and happy escape from the troubles of the day.
- Improves your dog's behaviour: A dog which is happy, fulfilled, and balanced, will be a better-behaved dog. Dog walking not only presents the opportunity to help your dog burn off that excess energy that they have building up, but also allows the owner to seek teachable training moments for their pet. A frustrated and neglected dog will wreak havoc on a household and that is not good for anyone. Walking the dog can help alleviate hyperactivity and destructive behavior in a dog which will make dog ownership a much more pleasurable experience.
So, lace up those hiking boots and enjoy the benefits of dog walking!
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