Almost all dogs enjoy going for walks. For some dogs, even just a passing mention of the word is enough to send them into a frenzy. Is your dog one of these dogs? When you say the word “walk”, does your dog start to wag their tail vigorously or start to pace? Your dog may even start to whine or bark excitedly or run towards the front door when you pick up the leash – there’s no mistaking this excitement!

Everyone knows that a dog walk involves the owner too and while many dog owners have discovered the numerous benefits of going out for a walk with their pooch, there are some people who are not so excited about this activity. It’s not that they necessarily dislike walking their dog, but for them ‘walking the dog’ is more of a chore – just another thing to do than a leisure activity. But the truth is that walking your dog has benefits for both dogs and their owners.

Here are some of the best reasons for walking your dog:

1. Walking is an easy way to get in exercise

Physical exercise on a regular basis is one of the main factors to good health in both humans and dogs. It will improve the quality and the duration of both human and pet life and walking is one of the best forms of exercise available. Not only is walking free, but it is also easy to do, and you can go for as long or as short a walk as you like. Walking can reduce your risk of heart disease, prevent obesity, lower any risk of diabetes, colon cancer or breast cancer and improve blood pressure. Walking can increase both your and your dog’s lifespan and be both rewarding and beneficial to you and your pet. Walking also requires no special equipment and is completely free of cost, so you can get out at any time of the day (or night).

• Increased Motivation to Exercise

You may not want to go out for a walk and if it were up to you, you might simply skip the activity altogether. Your dog will provide you with that push that you need by showing you that he is excited to get outside. When you come home from work, going out for a walk with your dog may be the last thing that you want to do, but regular walks are an effective way to connect with your dog while getting in some exercise. Your dog will provide you with enough motivation to get out for a walk for many reasons including that you know it is something that your dog needs.

• Improve Your Dog’s Behaviour

A dog that has a balanced, fulfilled, and happy life will just be better “behaved” overall. When you take your dog out for a walk, he can burn off that built up excess energy and you as the owner can use this time to have short training sessions with the dog. A dog left to their own devices will find ways to amuse themselves and rid themselves of any excess energy which most can lead to destructive behaviours, hyperactivity and other “behavioural issues”. Dogs can become easily bored if they are just left in their yard all day alone. Walks can enhance the bond between you and your dog by giving them some one on one time with their favourite person.

• Walking is a “mood-boosting” activity

For us humans, walking can reduce stress, enhance our mood, and create feelings of genuine happiness. It can increase your dopamine and serotonin levels which are in your brain’s pleasure centre. The same goes for your dog – letting your dog sniff and explore on your walks provides them with mental stimulation and releases oxytocin (the “feel good” hormone).

The main benefits of walking your dog include:

• Mental Health – if your dog is bored it can become quite destructive and develop some bad behaviours such as barking all day, chewing, and having excess energy which can prevent him from getting a good sleep at night. Consequently, if your dog is not sleeping well at night, they you are not either. Taking your dog out for a walk exposes him to new environments when you explore new areas to walk. You may see wildlife, other people, and other dogs while you are out walking.
• Emotional Health – as the center of your dog’s universe, you are what he craves. He needs your attention and wants to spend time with you, so if you take him for walks, these are the perfect opportunities to bond with him. As you spend more one-on-one time with your dog he will spend less time barking, whining and being annoying.
• Personal Health – most people need to be motivated from an outside source such as an exercise buddy who will get you out of the house and off the couch. If your regular work out partner is not as motivated as you and skips your workout commitment, then you still have a perfectly good workout partner – your dog. Your dog is committed to you and is the perfect exercise partner. He will always be willing to get out for a walk with you.

The health benefits of walking your dog are not limited to just you or just your dog. When you get out for regular walks, both of you can enjoy better health, feeling better overall and a calmer mind. Most of the time people do not want to get outside for a walk but the truth is that your dog lives for you and the time that you spend together and when you take your dog for a walk it is so beneficial to him. If you have not been walking your dog regularly, there is not time like the present to get started, your dog will love you for it. You might even notice some side effects of regular walking too.