Dog Walking: The Dangers of Not Walking Your Dog
Dog Walking for Health & Exercise
Get Those Paws Walking
It may be obvious, but dogs need exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle just like we do! If you happen to have a yard for your dog, that’s great! However, just letting them out into the yard for a while isn’t enough for exercise or mental stimulation. Dogs will not make up their own whole exercise routine just because they are outside. Having a yard is an opportunity to play catch and fetch with your four-legged family member! Taking them for walks is still an important part of exercise and if you find yourself short on time throughout the week or maybe just on occasion – ask for help! Dog walkers can be a reliable and trustworthy part of your dog’s life and let you get through your day guilt-free knowing that Fido is well taken care of.
Dogs, like people, are individuals and are each going to have their own exercise needs. These needs can vary depending on things like age and breed. High energy breeds can certainly benefit from a more lengthy walk while more senior dogs may just need a short walk to stretch their legs.
Seasonal changes can effect how much or often your dog can be walked. In the summer when the temperature really climbs, be sure to check that the pavement isn’t too hot for your dog to be walking. Likewise, for dog walking in the winter there are several factors to be wary of besides temperature. You also want to ensure your dog does not ingest anything such as deicing agents and antifreeze.
Dog Walking for Socialization
Puppies, Adolescents, Adults & The Big World Around Them
Your dog is dependent on you. Much like arranging a play date or a special day for a child, arranging to have your dog walked is exciting for them. While a dog walking route may be generally the same, with variances here and there, there’s always new things to see and smell! Having the opportunity to see new people, see new things, meet new dogs & other critters can help your dog become more comfortable with the big world around them.
Socialization to the world around them is especially important for puppies and adolescent dogs. Getting the chance to see and experience as many new things as possible while they’re young can help prevent things like fears and phobias in adulthood. When taking puppies out of the home it is of course important to do so safely and with caution, but it is far more dangerous to keep them locked away entirely until they are an young adult. In Private Training we see the same story all too often of a dog that was not well socialized as a puppy and now is faced with behavioral challenges born from things like fear.
Dog Walking for Troubleshooting Behaviors
An Unexpected Help For Very Expected Problems
While not a “quick fix”, walking can help your dog burn off some energy and relieve boredom which can, in turn, prevent undesirable behaviors such as: incessant barking, digging, chewing and hyperactivity for example. Even if your dog runs through your house like a wild animal, getting out for a walk will help them burn off that pent up, excess energy.
Walking is a bonding experience, so if you have the chance – take it! If a busy family calendar or a work packed schedule leaves little room in your week consider hiring a dog walker so that your furry family member can get their exercise and be ready to relax with you when you get home.