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21
February
Why You Should Walk Your Dog
One of my favorite past times with my two Idiot Balls of Fluff are going on long sniff walks. It’s good for our souls and spirit. I will admit. I don’t walk the dog enough. Between walking up at 6am for my first job, nap time and then crafting for canines until 12am, there just seems to never be enough time in the day.
Why I love walking my dogs
Waiting patiently for her pup cup!
The best part is walking is my dog therapy. When I’ve had tough weeks, checking my brain, stepping away from the computer and listening to nature together is the best thing in the world. I don’t even bring music because I would listen to the world around me and the embrace the joy of walking my dog. One of our favorite things to do is to go visit our local coffee place. Mama gets coffee and the pups get a pup cup! Although we don’t do this together daily like we should, having longer moments on the weekend is worth the wait.
Happy National Walk Your Dog Day
For National Walk Your Dog Day, I thought I would share with you my top reasons why you should walk your dog.
Physical Exercise: Dogs, like humans, need regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being. Regular walks provide a cardiovascular workout, which helps keep your dog fit and supports joint health.
Mental Stimulation: Walking exposes dogs to different environments, scents, and sights, providing mental stimulation. This can help prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of destructive behaviors, such as chewing or excessive barking.
Socialization: Regular walks allow dogs to encounter other people, dogs, and various stimuli. This promotes positive socialization and helps dogs become more comfortable and well-behaved in different situations.
Bonding Time: Walking together creates an opportunity for bonding between you and your dog. The shared experience strengthens your relationship and can enhance trust and communication.
Behavioral Training: Walking is an excellent time for reinforcing basic commands and training. You can use the walk to work on behaviors like loose leash walking, sitting at intersections, or responding to commands.
Weight Management: Along with a balanced diet, regular walks contribute to weight management in dogs. Obesity in dogs can lead to various health issues, so maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for their overall well-being.
Preventing Health Issues: Regular exercise can help prevent health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. It also aids in maintaining healthy joints and muscles, especially in older dogs.
Relieving Energy: Many dogs have excess energy, especially certain breeds or younger dogs. Regular walks provide an outlet for this energy, helping to calm hyperactive behavior and reducing the likelihood of destructive tendencies.
Improving Sleep: Physical activity during walks can contribute to better sleep for your dog. A tired dog is more likely to have a restful night’s sleep, which is important for their overall health.
Enhancing Overall Well-being: The combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization contributes to your dog’s overall well-being. A happy and healthy dog is more likely to exhibit positive behaviors and be a joy to be around.
What do you need when walking your dog?
Equipment is essential when talking your dog for a walk. Not only taking the time to prepare is important for your enjoyment, is critical for their safety. Things I always take on a dog walk include:
Leash: personally I am a fan of waist running leashes. Having two heavy pullers, I like having the extra support around me in case they see a squirrel and bolt. I would not recommend retractable leashes unless it’s a smaller dog. I have had one break on me before in the past. Not only did the dog run, but it also gave me whip lash around the legs.
Koda exploring Mt Rainier in her favorite harness.
Harness: For my two floofs, we use Alpine Outfitters Urban Trail harness. I LOVE the fact it has 4 D rings. Two on the side, one on the back and one in front. if I am walking on trails and I don’t care if the wander and pull like a kite, I will clip them in back. If we are around people and dogs where I need better control there is a clip on the front.
Collar and ID tag: Even if you use a harness, it’s still wise to have some type of identifying information on your dog. You never know what can happen. Your dog can escape. You could get hurt and left unconscious. By having some type of ID, not only are you protecting your dog, you are also protecting your self.
Poop Bags: These are essential! Even when we are on long nature walks, I still scoop the poop. It’s a responsible and courteous practice to keep public places clean
Water and Portable Bowl: I love the all in one water bottles and bowls. Less things to carry and easier to refill.
Basic First Aid Kit: Things most people may forget on walks. You could slip and fall if your dog pulls you to the ground. Tossing in a few bandages, antiseptic wipes takes up little space in our bags but are wonderful when we need them.
Treats! All the treats! When my dogs go for walks I tend to bring more high value treats as an extra reward. Chicken, hot dogs or cheese. It lets them know that this time is special so they get a special reward.
My challenges with walking the dogs?
Beyond time, my other biggest challenge is having two. As Bear Bear is learning leash manners, I don’t want him being distracted by his sister. So we go separately. Together we work on obedience training and leash etiquette. I don’t have to get tangled in the both of their leashes with their strong independant minds. I actually enjoy that more because we spend quality time together.
Wanna chat Live about dogs?
Come join Canine Crazies and my pack of dog friendly friends on Facebook at Canine Crazies in the Den. Let’s bond, connect, laugh and share the love of our four legged friends.
About the Author
Dog Mom, traveler, foodie and canine crafter. Kimberly is dedicated to enriching the lives of all dogs. She is inspired by her Two Idiot Balls of Fluff, two snow dogs, Bear and Koda, Kimberly is passionate about sharing with you all the things she learned raising her fur babies.
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