We all know we need to walk our dogs; they need to exercise as much as we do. But many of us see it as a chore and try to get the walk over and done with as quickly as possible. That’s fine for us, but not quite so good for our dogs. Going for a walk is a special time for them, so rather then hurry your pace for your own selfish needs, you really should pay more attention to the needs of your dog.
If your dog could talk, this is what he/she would like you to know.
I need more than one walk a day
This isn’t always true. Smaller breeds can manage on one walk a day, but if you have a larger, high-energy dog, then you need to give them at least two walks a day. Experts suggest walks should be around 20 minutes at a time, though you can increase or reduce this depending on the type of dog you own, and how tired they seem. When you walk your dog is up to you, but remember it’s not only about letting them go to the bathroom. For your dog’s enjoyment, it should be a leisurely walk, so do it when you aren’t in a rush, as you will have more time to relax and enjoy the walk along with your dog. Find those times in the day where you can spend quality time together, but if you don’t get time in the day to give your dog a decent walk, enlist another family member or a dog walking service to do it for you.
I like to stop and smell the roses
A dog walk is not only about providing your dog with physical exercise. It’s also about providing them with mental stimulation, giving them time to explore the world beyond their own backyard. Therefore, give your dog time to smell the roses or any other scent that catches their attention. This turns the walk into a more meaningful and enriching experience, as it gives them the opportunity to get a handle on what is going on in the neighbourhood. We would do this with our eyes and ears, but as is explained here, your dog gathers information through their nose. So resist the temptation to pull on the lead to hurry them along on the walk. If you get irritated by your dog’s insistence on stopping at regular intervals, purchase a retractable lead so they can walk ahead of you to explore, or take your dog to a safe outdoor area and let them off the lead so they can investigate the world at their leisure.
I don’t want to be a hot dog!
No, we aren’t referring to the sausage in a bun variety! Rather, we are talking about the dangers of the summer weather. While dogs do enjoy being out in the fresh air and sunshine, they can become dehydrated and fall ill when they get too hot. Therefore, take precautions, such as walking in areas of shelter when possible, and giving them a drink of water at regular intervals throughout the walk. Also be mindful of the pavement on hot days. The heated surface could harm your dog’s paws, so to keep your dog both happy and healthy, let him walk on the grass when possible, or purchase a set of doggie booties to protect his sensitive feet. You might also choose to limit your walks during the summer to those cooler times in the day, such as early morning or late evening.
Follow these suggestions, and your dog will be much happier on your daily walks.
Let us know if you have any dog walking tips of your own in the comments section below.