5 Reasons to Walk Your Dog

Taking your dog for a walk may seem like a simple task, but for your dog it opens up all kinds of opportunities to explore the world around them. Think about it from your dog’s point of view. They spend all day either in the house with a few excursions into the yard. Not much excitement or stimulation. Imagine if that was the total of your existence. Dogs have a natural instinct to explore and without an opportunity to get out into the world they can get bored pretty quickly. A bored dog sometimes acts out by chewing, jumping, and getting overly excited with visitors. Your dog gets a lot from a walk. All five sense are stimulated and that alone can lead to a calmer, happier dog.

• 1.     Exercise. Like people, dogs need exercise to stay healthy. Exercise aides in weight control, digestion, and better mental attitude.
• De-stressing. The stimulation of a walk can reduce destructive behavior as it lets them release pent up energy which creates calmer dog.
• 3.     Engages all 5 senses. During the walk your dog is seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and even tasting new places. The sense of smell is strong in dogs. They take in a lot of information through their nose due to something called the Vomeronasal organ. This sensitive organ collects chemical messages that give the dog information of who or what went there before. This stimulation expands their world and helps them remain calm when faced with new situations.
• 4.     Socialization. Getting your dog out for a walk opens the door to excellent training opportunities. When they meet other people or pets along the way have them sit and offer a paw. It teaches them to accept new experiences without getting overly excited.
• 5.     Bond with your dog. Walking together will help you develop a strong bond with your dog. Aside from the stimulation they get, walking helps to build trust between you and your dog. Understanding what is expected of them lets them know you are there for them and in turn they will want to please you by behaving properly.

Make your walk a ritual. Have the dog sit as you put on the leash. Praise how good your dog behaves at all times. Don’t let the dog rush out the door. If he lunges for the door stop and make him sit again. Open the door and give the command, “come.” This will set the mood for the walk and lets the dog know that you’re in charge. 

While walking, don’t let the dog pull on the lead. If he starts to pull just stop and say, “walk.” When he stops and makes eye contact with you, start again. Calmly repeat this until your dog understands what is expected.

On your walk it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of those you meet on the way.  As hard as it is to understand, not everyone wants to meet your dog. If you pass someone on the street they might be afraid of dogs. If your dog gets too close they could suddenly pull away or do something that your dog might not understand. Be polite. Move to the other side of the street or, if that’s not possible, put your dog on your opposite side so you will be between them and the person.

Watch for kids playing on your walk. Children move fast and some might not know how to treat a dog. Rushing up with outstretched hands might upset the dog. Even the best dogs might respond with fear or aggression if they see the child as a threat. First make sure your dog is good with kids. If the dog is nervous then take it out of the situation. Don't take chances.

If  your dogs is good with kids and the parents are not around, it’s best to just walk on by. If the parents give permission for the child to greet your dog keep the leash short and have your dog sit. Ask the child to be gentle and show them the proper way to greet a dog. Hand out but not over the dog’s head. Let the dog sniff and, if no signs of fear are shown, let the child pet the dog. Keep it brief and move on. Remember even if your dog is good with your own children, doesn’t mean he’ll be the same with an unpredictable stranger.

Be alert for other animals on your walk. From birds to squirrels or even another dog, these distractions can cause your dog to act out or even try to bolt. Watch your dog for signs that he’s spotted something. Did he suddenly stop? Body stiffen? Ears flatten back? All these can be signs he sees something and is sending a warning. Assure your dog verbally, “Be good.” “It’s okay.” Even a low warning, “No,” will let your dog know what you expect of him. If the dog starts to act out turn around and lead your dog in the opposite direction. This takes the dog out of the situation and redirects his attention.

Don’t forget to mix it up every once in a while, take a new route to keep your dog’s interest peeked. Remember this walk is a stimulation for the senses. Like you, your dog will appreciate a change of scenery.

Bonus! Walking is one of the best exercises for people, too. It helps with weight control, controlling blood pressure, and strengthens the heart. So, grab that leash and take your dog out into the neighborhood. Your body & best friend will thank you for it.