walking dogs health

Why Walking Your Dog Is Essential for Their Overall Health

At the end of a long day, sometimes all you want to do is throw on some cozy clothes and cuddle with your furry friend. However, our canines don’t always have the same thing in mind. One word may run through your pup’s mind, and that’s the magic W-word. Yep, we’re talking about walks! Sniff out the facts and find out why walking your dog is essential for their overall health.

It Stimulates Their Mind

Most pet owners assume that it’s the physical exercise that tires their pooches out after a long walk, but the mental workout plays a role in this, too! When you go for a walk, your pup gets a chance to explore fresh smells and take in new sights. This is important because it builds a dog’s confidence while also encouraging them to make discoveries.

Pro Pet Tip

A lack of mental stimulation may also mean lower confidence levels for your dog, and a lack of confidence could increase the chance of canine anxiety. Dogs needing mental stimulation may also display destructive actions like digging or chewing.

It’s a Chance To Train

Training is a lifelong process but it’s also a way to challenge your dog. When you work on various commands outside, your dog must think harder and understand how to tune out distractions like other dogs, people, cars, and wild animals. In other words, your dog learns how to focus on you. Work on walking etiquette or take a step off the main path to test your pooch’s mind!

It Improves Their Health

Walking is an excellent form of exercise for both you and your pooch because it gets your body moving without feeling overly strenuous. As a bonus, walking also improves your pup’s digestive system to keep all things moving regularly.

While plenty of pups have jobs ranging from search and rescue to herding, others live the comfortable life of a house pet. However, this shouldn’t mean your furry friend becomes lazy. Additionally, a walk a day can extend your dog’s lifespan while keeping you in good shape!

It Encourages Bonding

Sure, cozying up with your pooch is great and an easy way to bond, but in the doggie world, nothing beats a walk. As the two of you embark on an adventure, you also get to spend more time together doing something that excites both of you.

Every pet owner knows why walking their dog is essential for their overall health. Some dog breeds require more physical activity than others, but most canine experts will tell you that every pup needs at least one hour of exercise per day. With high-quality k9 leashes from Julius K9, you can keep a handle on your dog for a lifetime of walks. Help your pooch burn off some excess energy while they explore!