A fellow blogger/ twitterer told me that people don’t walk their dogs and we had to get the word out. I was shocked. I told her I didn’t know anyone that didn’t walk their dogs! In fact, many times us dog walkers are jockeying for space so dogs don’t run into each other. But she told me she hardly knew anyone and to get the word out. I remember before I got Sammy, I read all kinds of books on how to raise a dog and one thing stuck out in my mind and that was to BOND with your dog, WALK with your dog. The bond gets stronger as you walk your dog. SO I was sure to walk my Sammy when I got her as I wanted my BOND to be strong with her. Rain or shine, we walk. Twice a day and more if possible. In fact, my two dogs start wiggling when we get their leashes. Lucy once even got the leash for me! They even love the work “w-a-l-k”. My husband and I have to “spell” out the word otherwise they get ready immediately!
Dogs also need fresh and exercise. And face it, so do we. Dogs get mental stimulation by investigating every smell, sight and sound along the way is as important as the physical workout. (we call it picking up their “pee-mails”.) A walk is a great opportunity to practice obedience skills with your dog and reinforces that bond between you. When you encounter another dog or person it gives your dog the opportunity to practice appropriate social skills.
Walking is the best exercise for any age or lifestyle. Even a dog with a large yard needs to walk as he may not be inclined to exercise without you. Apartment dogs should ideally get out four times a day and dogs with small fenced-in areas, two or three times a day. Twenty minutes (or more) is a good amount of time to aim for but realistically what ever you can fit in will be beneficial.
Walking your dog soon after he eats is the time he/she is most likely to pee and poop. (This works well with schedule feeding which usually equals schedule defecating, helpful when you need to be out the door to work.)
And don’t forget to scoop after their poop!! Happy walking!
Let’s emphasize how healthy it is for the pet owner. When I first got Coco and walked before going to work as well as 2-3 times after work M-F and 4-5 times on the weekend, I lost 30 lbs in about
4 months. I did not change my eating habits and for those of you who know me you know I like junk food. Unfortunately, I got lazy and gave up the before work walk and I dont feel as good when I go to work as I did when I walked. So walking other than just for your pet has great benefits. So, for the New Year, do you and your pet a favor: Start Walking for Good Health for the Both of You.