Walking Benefits for YOU & Rover

If you’re a dog owner and you’re looking for ways to improve Rover's health (both mental and physical), taking daily walks are a great way to tune up your relationship, learn new things, and bond with that special dog in your life. Plus, it’s good for both of you and is an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors!

Of course, you probably know taking a walk with your dog is a chance for Rover to have some fun, but there are loads of other benefits as well. Read on for a snapshot of some reasons you should add a walk to your daily routine!

Why You Should Walk Your Dog

Walking with Rover is an opportunity for both of you to work as a team and explore the world together. The more Rover is exposed to new situations, the more adaptable she’ll be, and the more she will understand that you’re there to teach and protect her. Walking is a great way to reinforce the fact that you’re there for Rover, that you want her to be happy, and that you can keep her safe.

Here are some of the additional benefits of dog-walking:

• It’s a training opportunity. It’s all well and good to get Rover to sit and lie down when you’re at home and there aren’t any distractions, but walking is a chance to try those basic commands in a setting where it’s a little trickier to focus. Also, leash training is a great way to prepare Rover for new situations and teach him not to pull you along like a sled dog. Walks are an opportunity to teach Rover to heel as well, which can be very beneficial if you need to travel together and you want to keep your pup close and safe. For best results, bring a few training treats with you when you go for a walk, and reward with lots of praise and a treat when he follows your instructions!

• It’s a chance to burn some energy. Even dogs who are active in the home need opportunities to get some exercise outdoors. If you have a nice fenced yard, just putting your dog outside does not mean she will take advantage of the opportunity to play and exercise! If you walk your dog, you’re giving her a chance to get some of the wiggles out so she will behave better at home and chill out when it’s time to relax and enjoy quiet time. Dogs who have excess energy are harder to train and keep under control in the home, and walking is a more reliable way for your pup to expend that excess energy than just going out in the backyard.

• It’s healthy (for both of you). Research shows walking at least a half hour every day can reduce a person’s risk for heart disease and other serious illnesses, so regular walking is a great way to live a long and happy life. For most dogs, an hour of physical activity each day is necessary and will help them lead healthy lives free of disease. Some dogs, such as working or herding breeds, need even more than an hour every day, so talk with your veterinarian about the best walking schedule for you and Rover. Don’t let Rover become a couch potato. Lazy dogs are more likely to become overweight dogs, which can cause a host of health problems, from hip and joint issues to heart disease. A daily walk is a great way to keep those paws moving and help you and Rover stay healthy.

• It’s a chance to explore. Dogs love exploring the world, and new experiences keep their bodies and minds active. When you walk your dog, you are right there to support him if you come across something that’s a little scary, and your dog can learn to adapt to new things that might be a little frightening to begin with. Walking in different locations is a great way to keep the adventure alive for your dog, because all the new sights, sounds, and especially smells are interesting and improve Rover’s quality of life.

• It’s a chance to learn social skills. If you walk your dog, chances are you’re going to run into other animals from time to time. Introducing your dog to other pets while on-leash is a great way to help your dog learn how to introduce himself to strangers, all while being safe because you can control and protect him if things get a little…heated. Leash and verbal corrections are helpful when you’re teaching your dog proper social skills, so walks are a chance to get a handle on meeting new dogs!

• It builds confidence and trust. If your dog is often fearful or timid, walking every day can help him get a handle on his worries. Also, if Rover is able to explore new (and potentially scary) situations with you supporting and protecting him, he will be more likely to experience a confidence boost and trust you more. Being a leader and protector is critical to having a healthy bond with your dog, and walks are a chance to grow together. All in all, walks help boost Rover’s self-confidence and strengthens your bond as a human-canine team!

• It reduces destructive behavior. If Rover has excess energy or gets bored in the home, certain problems often arise. Barking, chewing on things that aren’t toys, and destructive behavior are all possible warning signs that Rover is bored and has too much pent-up energy. Walking is a chance to wear him out and give him a bit of brain exercise so that when you return home, he’ll be less likely to tear up the couch pillows, chew on your armchair or shred the curtains.

Why Walking Is the Best

Of course, there are lots of different games and exercises you can do with your pup, but walking is one of the absolute best because it’s easy to stay consistent and it’s ideally suited to both a human and a dog’s health needs. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play other games with Rover, but setting a consistent walking schedule is a great first step in establishing an active and healthy lifestyle for you both.

So, why are we such fans of walks? First of all, it’s easy to maintain a walking schedule. Once you make it a part of your daily routine, Rover will look forward to your special time together each day.

Also, walking is easy and safe for puppies and older dogs of all breeds, so it’s something you can do throughout your dog’s life without worrying about causing injuries. Jogging, for instance, is not recommended for dogs who are younger than 18 months because it can strain your dog’s joints. Dogs with flat noses may have a hard time breathing during aerobic exercise, especially when it’s hot outside. We think walking is awesome because it works for everyone!

Finally, it’s fun! Rover just wants to cut loose and spend some quality time with you, and walks are a good way to make that happen while you fine tune her social skills, behavioral training and overall health!