Dogs are active, playful creatures. They have a lot of energy that they need to burn off and lots of playdates they want to enjoy. You taking them out on a walk just might be the best part of their day. They look forward to the fresh air outside, the freedom to bound around unchecked, and of course, the company and attention of their favorite human – You.
You knew that dogs were high maintenance pets when you got one, and you’ve been trying your best, but sometimes, life gets in the way. We all understand; sometimes, it’s just too hard to take out quality time to walk your dog. You have a hundred chores to do at homes, and you’re tired from work. You come home to your dog’s excited barking and licking, and you disappoint him yet again with a ‘Sorry, buddy. Not today.’
While it is understandable to skip a day or two in the week, you have to understand that walking your dog isn’t all for fun and enjoyment; it’s necessary for your dog’s health as well. It is his only form of exercise, and he needs it to stay fit and in shape. While we know it can get a little hectic to squeeze in time for your doggie walk, don’t compromise on his health. If you can’t manage it, hire dog walkers who will take care of the chore for you. Or if you’re absent for most of the day, you can even get your dog admitted into a day-care program at Twissted Whiskers, where he’ll have plenty of other doggie friends to play around with. He’ll also be well-taken care of, and will be walked thrice a day!
To understand the gravity of the situation, let’s look at why dog walking is so important and how much slacking off is okay.
Benefits of Dog walking
Physical exercise
This is the most obvious benefit of walking for your dog. Most dogs nowadays stay indoors most of the time and do not get the space and the environment to freely run or play around. A dog cooped up inside a house tends to get bored and lazy. Regular dog walks give him the chance and the liberty to de-stress, run, jump, play, and do whatever his heart desires. It also helps in the development of his bones and muscles, and to burn off the energy from food. If your dog doesn’t exercise, he’ll end up piling on weight.
Mental Simulation
Apart from the physical benefits, there are a bunch of mental benefits to dog walking. Statistics show that dogs that get regular exercise every day appear happier, more energetic, and less stressed. Dogs need company and amusement; they start getting depressed if they stay without it for too long.
When walking your dog, you’re not just taking him out to enjoy the fresh air, you’re also showing him that you love him. The attention that you give your dog is enough to make him super happy.
Socializing Opportunity
While walking, your dog encounters a dozen other dogs out on their walks, and many people who will stop to pat the good boy. Dogs enjoy affection and love from humans, and the dog walks will give your dog the opportunity to interact and socialize with other people as well as other dogs. It could help bring him out of his shell if he’s a shy dog. It could also help him get over his fear, hesitation, or mistrust of people, leading to more healthy connections with the humans around him.
Training Opportunity
This could be the ideal time for you to teach your dog new tricks. Most people stop training beyond the basics of fetch, sit, and follow. You can teach your dog so many cool tricks, and there cannot be a better time for it. Stop mid walk and try to make your dog balance a Frisbee on his nose, or walk on his hind legs alone. Both you and your dog can enjoy this time.
Dog walks are obviously valuable to your dog, but they are equally healthy for you, too! With the excuse of dog-walks, you get so much walking done yourself. Even if you take your dog out for only half an hour, that’s over 3 hours worth of walking in a week! What a mutually beneficial habit to include in your daily life.
How Often Should They Be Walked?
How often should a dog be walked mostly depends on their breeds, sizes, and diets. Younger, more energetic dogs might need more walk time while the older ones can get by with shorter, less frequent walks. Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Collies might need more exercise time while Great Danes, Mastiffs, and Chow-chows can be satisfied with shorter walks.
Alternatives to Dog Walking
If you feel guilty about not being able to walk your dog every day, don’t. Your dog just needs your attention and some exercise. If you can give it to him in any other way, it’s okay. Here are some other things you can do with your dog in case you can’t walk him every day.
Play Indoors
If you have enough space indoors, then you can do some fun activities with your dog indoors. You can play hide-n-seek, make him sniff out treats and make him go up and down the stairs to get him his daily fill of exercise.
Play Outdoors
If you have a backyard on your property, that’s great. You can let your dog out for some fresh air and playtime. Engage with him, though; don’t let him just play with himself. You can try a game of fetch or running hoops.
If you don’t walk your dog religiously, don’t feel too guilty about it. It is perfectly fine to strike a balance between walks and playtime. If you’re walking your dog every alternate day, and also play with him in the house in between, there shouldn’t be a problem. What matters is that he remains healthy and happy, whichever way you make him so.
