Dog Walking

Dog walking will satisfy your dog's many needs. In addition to the basic needs of food and shelter, a dog needs social interaction, positive attention from its owner, exercise and mental stimulation. Many of these needs can be met by simply taking your dog for a walk. Walking your dog daily provides him/her with attention from you. Perhaps more than anything, our pets simply want our company.

Walking your dog allows you to practice obedience skills with your pet to increase the reliability of training. Reviewing the basic commands also increases the benefits of a walk because your dog is not simply ambling along, but is performing additional tasks. Taking your dog for a walk provides mental stimulation through territorial investigation and will satisfy his/her social needs. Nose to the ground and alert to the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, your dog gathers information about how its territory has changed since the last walk.

Along with the emotional benefits, there are physical benefits. Dog walking is the best way to exercise your dog that may not move about much in your home or even in your yard. Aging pets must be kept as agile and fit as possible but may not be inclined to exercise without encouragement. Even if your pet is active in your yard, he will benefit more from a long walk. The pleasure of your company is one of your dog's greatest motivations to exercise.

When you pass by another dog or person while walking, your dog has an opportunity to socialize. Dogs are social animals and it's in their nature to investigate unrecognized or recognized individuals. Puppies should be encouraged from a young age to appropriately greet and interact with other dogs and people while on walks. These positive experiences will help your puppy behave appropriately when greeting visitors to your home, or when he's with you anywhere else. If your dog does not have the opportunity to socialize, he/she will not interact appropriately with people or other dogs.

Dog walking is one of the best ways to prevent behavior problems. Two walks daily will also help prevent elimination problems, destructiveness, separation anxiety and other common behavior disorders. Walk your dog soon after each meal, as this is the time he/she will most likely urinate or defecate. You can direct your dog to an appropriate location, and praise should be given immediately to be effective. If you simply let your dog out in the yard, you lose an opportunity to reinforce desirable behavior.

Hands-Free Dog Walking Leash

Never allow your dog to roam the neighborhood freely, as this is dangerous to your dog, other pets and people. It also gives the unsupervised dog freedom to regress to unacceptable wild behavior. Your dog's life could depend on its obedience to your warnings. Remember, dog walking allows you to practice obedience skills with your dog, and spend time together!