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.
[ez-toc]
Happy National Walk Your Dog Day
Why I love walking my dogs
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.Reasons why you should walk your dog
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.
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 independent 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.
Great tips! Walking our dogs is so beneficial. Thanks for sharing your experiences and advice!