The act of taking your dog for a walk is much more than just an opportunity for them to go potty. Your pet will benefit from daily dog walking in many ways, including mental stimulation, socialization, behavior training, and exercise. On top of all of that, your dog will cherish the time you two spend together, and your bond will get closer as a result.
Benefits for Your Dog’s Health And Weight
Humans and dogs alike both benefit from an active lifestyle; a puppy not getting out enough can quickly begin developing issues with its weight. The time spent outside allows your dog to release any extra pent-up energy it would otherwise be unable to get rid of inside the home. You will save money in the long run if you keep your dog at a healthy weight, and you will have peace of mind that you are caring for your pet responsibly.
Opportunities for Behavior Training
Dogs have long been domesticated, but there are still many things that they need to learn to thrive in their home. A dog who routinely has experience on a leash, listening to and following its owner will have an easier time picking up new commands that you introduce in the future. Their daily walk is a good time for dogs to learn a healthy way to be obedient toward their owner. Furthermore, dogs that are sufficiently tired from their daily dog walking are much easier to work with compared to a dog bursting with energy.
Benefits of Physical and Mental Stimulation
Walking your dog every day has a profound effect on the mental and physical health of your dog. If confined to a house all day, a dog will regularly seek out ways to escape boredom, which could lead to potentially dangerous behavior. The sights, sounds, and smells that your dog experiences on daily walks will stick with them and prevent them from becoming discouraged due to a lack of variety in their daily routine. It is also a good idea to vary the areas that you walk your dog in, allowing them to experience all that life has to offer.
Benefits for Your Dog’s Social Skills
One issue that might arise in dogs that do not routinely get out on walks is their inability to safely socialize with other animals when the time comes. Even if your dog gets scared or angry towards other dogs while on their walk, daily exposure will, over time, give them the confidence to make friends in the future. One of the best ways for dogs to stay healthy and fit, play-fighting with other dogs, is impossible if your pup is not properly socialized.
Every dog is different, but a good rule of thumb is at least half an hour of daily dog walking or outside exposure. Some active breeds of dogs, such as the various dogs historically bred for hunting, might need more. So make sure to keep an eye out and help your dog burn off any excess energy by the time you arrive back home. If you have a safe, enclosed area to play in, daily walks are not the only times that you can interact with your pup. But make sure to engage with them! Dogs generally do not enjoy playing alone. Playing catch, fetch, or various other activities will help to tire out your dog in a healthy and fun way.
If you need help leash training your dog or learning to socialize when out walking, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training in Bradenton.
