Why you need to walk your dog daily

1. Dogs, by nature, are hunters. They were born to run and hunt,
so no matter the size of your property - or your dog - it's important to
take your dog for a walk everyday.
Not only is it good exercise and necessary stimulation for your dog;
but it's also good exercise and significant stimulation for you too.
Too many people skip the nightly walk because it's a hassle. But, with
a little bit of training (and the right choice of accessories), you can
make daily walks an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
Why Your Dog Needs a
Daily Walk

2. Walking Is Good Exercise for You and Your Dog
Like you, dogs will also benefit from a daily exercise routine. Walking
is an excellent way to keep your dog feeling young. It will also help
with weight maintenance and fitness levels. And, one of the major
problems modern dogs face is obesity - and it can impact your pet
majorly. Obesity can lead to torn ligaments, arthritis or stiff joints,
heart, breathing and back problems. In extreme cases, obesity can
also be a cause of cancer in dogs.
Of course, you do need to be aware of the age of your dog and
adjust their walking route accordingly. Young dogs have loads of
energy and suffer little from wear-and-tear.

3. It's a good idea to take young dogs to w i d e open areas
where they can run. Older dogs will have less energy, but ensuring
they don't need to work too hard is better than no walk at all. You
want their walk to be gentle, short and relaxed, unlike younger dogs
which will be more high energy, longer and intensive.
Walking Is Terrific Stimulation
Taking your dog for a walk is not only good for their physical
well-being but also their mental well-being. Try to mix up their walking
routes and paths. Going outside of their usual surroundings will make
your pets excited and eager to explore the new smells and surround-
ings.

4. Keep in mind that a lack of stimulation and exercise will
lead to behavioural problems. If your dog doesn't get enough
exercise and stimulation, they can become hyperactive and aggres-
sive. They will also excessively chew, dig and scratch.
Taking your dog for a daily walk will stimulate your pet and allow him
to use all that excess energy. If you're bored, take something with you
like a ball, stick or chew toy to add to the fun.

5. Remember, You're Not the Only One with a Dog
And, not everyone will be a dog lover. It's important to ensure you
can control your dog verbally without resorting to physical restraint.
You should be able to call an off-leash dog and know she/he will
always come - whatever the distraction.
If a park permits and your dog is trained, a little time off the lead is
always welcome. But, you need to be considerate of the other
people walking or running in the park. If you see someone approach-
ing who seems anxious or nervous at the sight of your dog put them
on the lead and hold them back until the person has passed. Remem-
ber that your dog can also feel when you are anxious, if you are
going towards a seemingly aggressive dog then make sure you
remain calm. Hold your dog’s lead tight and ensure that your verbal
control is clear, don’t panic.
You want to make sure that your dog is well trained and that they
avoid getting in the way of other walkers or joggers, as no one likes to
be jumped on by an excitable dog. And, don't forget to carry treats to
reward your dog when he exhibits the right type of behaviour.

6. Take the Lead
A leash is a very important accessory for every dog. Choosing the
right lead for you and your dog will not always be an easy as there
are many choices out there. But, like everything else in life, continue
searching until you find the right lead for both you and your dog.
When deciding on a lead, you first need to see how it feels in your
hand. Then focus on how it would attach to your dog; most lead clip
onto your dog’s collar but some leads will loop around their necks. You
want to ensure your dog is not strangled by their lead. But, your dog
will let you know if they are unhappy with their leash - probably by
chewing it.

7. Keeping Your Dog Healthy
Taking your dog out for a walk is rewarding and exciting (at least for
your pet), but always remember that you are taking your dog into
an uncontrolled environment.
Your pets could have an allergy to grass, necessitating avoidance of
grassy areas or freshly cut grass. Also, you'll need to be aware of
what's toxic to dogs. There are certain plants and seeds that can
be deadly, so watch where your pet investigates. The same goes
for the rubbish in the streets or thrown in parks; this can cause runny
tummies or choking. If you walk near a river, your dog will likely
want to run through it. Just check that the water is flowing and
clear before you allow it. There are various parasites, bacteria and
toxins in water and can be harmful to your dog. And, if it's a hot
day, you might want to shorten the walk or take a bottle of water
and bowl to avoid dehydration.
Make walking your dog part of your daily routine. Find paths or
routes that suit you and your dog. Train your dog to be considerate
and well behaved on their walks that will ensure a pleasurable walk
every day.