National Walk your Dog Week
The weather is getting cooler and it’s the perfect time to celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week! We love seeing our dogs happy, and what’s cuter than seeing a butt wiggle and a wagging tail! A quick walk can make a big impact on their health and bring them so much joy in a short period of time. Here are a few reasons to take just 30-minutes out of your day to walk your furry friend.
Keep your dog healthy
Daily dog walking provides many benefits that keep your dog mentally stimulated, and physically fit. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s clinical survey, 56% of dogs in the USA are clinically overweight. This can decrease their quality of life, cause diseases, and reduce their life expectancy. National Walk Your Dog Week is a great time to set a goal for daily walks with your dog! Start with 30 minutes and see where it takes you.
Chill out time
A (reasonably) tired dog is a happy dog! Not only is walking a great way to get exercise and fresh air, but it will also help your pooch relax in the house instead of being destructive. When dogs get enough physical and mental stimulation, they are less likely to engage in negative behavior, such as chewing the furniture or chasing the cat. In addition, walking expels energy and can help anxious or energetic dogs become calmer around people or other animals.
Bonding with you
Walking your dog is a great way to build your relationship with them! Dogs crave interaction, which is why you will often find them following you around or nudging your hand for pets. When you make an effort to spend quality time with them, you will create a dog who loves to listen and engage with you. It is also a great opportunity to build in some strong leash walking skills. “Heel”, “leave it” and “let’s go!” are some basic commands to get your dog to learn some good habits and bond with you. Be sure to keep your training positive and fun for an even better relationship with your pup!
Interacting with the world
Walking and hiking fulfil your dog’s natural instincts for exploring new sights, smells, and sounds. Creating a good relationship with the world around them is going to keep your dog mentally and physically fit, and decrease many common behavior problems.
Boost your mood
Not only will taking your dog for daily 30 minute walks make you more active, but it will help boost your health in so many ways! Spending time walking your dog can decrease stress and boost your mood, which is why it’s so great to have a friend who is always excited to go outside and explore the world!