Exercise should be an essential part of our lives—and the same goes for our dogs! While many associate dog walks with bathroom breaks, the truth is that walking your dog offers both physical and mental stimulation, making it one of the most important parts of your pet’s daily routine.The benefits of walking your dog are multifold and it is what we cover in great depth in this blog!
Responsibilities of a Pet Parent
Before committing to regular walks, pet parents must understand a few important responsibilities:
-
Choose the right dog breed for your lifestyle. If you’re not into outdoor activities, a high-energy breed like a Labrador or Border Collie might not be the best match. Pick a pet whose activity needs align with your routine.
-
Always supervise your dog during walks. Unsupervised outings can be dangerous—for both your dog and others. Never let your dog roam alone in public places.
-
Keep your dog under control. Whether on a leash or off-leash in permitted areas, make sure your dog responds to voice commands and doesn’t wander too far.
Benefits of Walking Your Dog
The benefits of walking are innumerable. It is the same for your dog. Physical exercise helps in stimulating the mind and the body therefore it is a must to incorporate it into your daily schedule. Mentioned below are the benefits of walking your dog:
Excellent Opportunity for Training
We all want to train our dogs. Toilet training is a crucial part of the early days of training your dog. And that can be achieved well by putting your pooch on a puppy leash and heading out. If you instil the habit of leash training from the very beginning, you won't have to face the problem of leash pulling or disobedience later on. A command like a heel, sit and stay can also be taught while walking your dog.
Healthy for Dogs
Dogs need physical activity to not fall prey to diseases such as cholesterol, stress and even separation anxiety! If dogs let out their pent-up energy on something else, for instance, a long run or a walk, they won't have the energy to do destructive behaviors. The chances of putting on unnecessary weight or obesity are also reduced by daily walking. Due to its varied benefits, there are also dog walking services available for those people whose work or lifestyle does not allow them to give time to their dogs.
Socialization
Socializing your dog is another crucial part of raising a friendly and active dog. Going for a walk with your dog on a daily basis helps your dog socialize or interact with other dogs. This is also a great way to let your dog understand how to behave around other dogs. Often pet parents ask the question, where can I take my puppy for walks, the best place to walk your dog are parks where dogs are allowed. Socializing your dog through doggy walks will help build confidence in your pooch and reaffirm the fact that it is alright to make friends.
Mental Stimulation and Exercise
Yet another miraculous importance of walking your dog is the mental stimulation and exercise it provides. It lays down the basics of physical exercise which also has a splendid effect on the dog’s mental health. Confining your dog in one place is not good. Rather, letting the dog explore and venting out its energy on exercise will help in building muscles and toning the body. Dogs often suffer from separation anxiety and other behavioral issues because they have no other means of venting out their pent-up energy. Regular walking and exercise help in deterring wrong behavior and provides your dog with mental stimulation.
Breed-Specific Exercise Needs
Different breeds require different levels of physical activity:
-
Small breeds like Shih Tzus or Chihuahuas: Short walks twice a day are usually enough.
-
Medium-to-large breeds like Dalmatians, Dobermans, or Weimaraner's: Require longer, more intense walks or playtime sessions.
Do your research before choosing a dog breed to ensure their energy levels match your lifestyle.
The amount of exercise required depends on the breed of the dog. This is why it is imperative to do your research and choose a dog breed that suits your lifestyle. Small dogs such as the Shih Tzu, Chihuahua can make do with short walks twice a day. However, dogs such as the Dalmatian, Doberman, Weimaraner need plenty of exercises to remain healthy and happy. Make sure that you make walking your dog a daily habit and use this time to bond with your dog and for safety purpose you can use dog collars and harnesses. You can shop the dog walk essentials form our online pet store Zigly.
Let’s explore why dog walks are more than just a quick trip outside—and why every responsible pet parent should make it a habit.
