The Benefits of Dog Walking

The Benefits of Dog Walking

Walking your dog is both fun and healthy- for both you and your dog! According to the NIH .https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5580638/  and VCA Animal Hospital, the benefits of dog walking extend much farther than I realized.

Dogs need exercise and engagement depending on their breed, body type, and personality. A working dog such as an Australian Shepherd must stay active to be happy. If an active dog does not get enough exercise, they can become destructive, chewing furniture, digging in trashcans, or destroying shoes. Taking your furry companion out fro a stroll or run can help prevent some of these behaviors. It is also a great time to work on training and socialization skills. Dogs can get bored, just like humans. Giving your pup a chance to experience new sights, sounds, and smells will stimulate their brain and raise their level of happiness.

Walking aids in keeping your dog healthy. Even the most laid back dogs need some exercise. Regular walking keeps body weight controlled and builds muscle. It can also aid in joint health. Did you ever wonder why your dog thinks the great outdoors is his toilet? Walking stimulated the digestive and urinary systems, keeping both these flowing and healthy. Be sure to take along waste bags!

Humans also benefit from dog walking. The most obvious way is physical health. Walking as a form of exercise has been widely promoted due to the low impact nature of the the movement. However, the benefits go far beyond just losing that extra pound or two. Cardiovascular and pulmonary health also benefit from this regular exercise.

But what about mental health? With the mass influx of technology in the 21st century, people have fewer reasons to leave their house. Movies are streamed in. Meals and groceries are delivered to our doors. Even toilet paper can be presented onto our doorstep in a matter of hours. While all this convienceis wonderful, it can lead to boredom, isolation, and depression. The NIH (referenced above) studied the impact of dog walking on the mental health of pet owners. They found that regular walking fostered a bond between pet and owner. This made the human more likely to desire the best for their dog, which included walking. A feeling of being needed grew as the pairs continued their strolls, giving the human motivation for continuing the walks.

All in all, walking your dog is not only an enjoyable, but both physically and mentally beneficial to both pup and pal.