Walking your Dog: How Important is It?

Dogs are amazing.  They are some of the most loyal and beloved creatures on the planet.  And, if you’re a dog owner, you know that you are the most important person in the world for them.  No matter what, they’ve got your back.  They’ll be there for you when you need attention, love, play, or just a bit of TLC.

That being said, it’s a two way street.  Your dog has needs too, and it’s more than just some food and water.  One of the most important parts of caring for your canine companion is regular walking. Lack of regular walking due to confinement, inactivity and being alone for a large part of the day can lead to behavioural issues such as unruliness, barking and winning for attention, digging, scratching, destruction, chewing, hyperactivity and excitability. Regular walking is imperative to your dog’s happiness & well being but you might not know exactly how important it is for them.

One obvious reason It’s a necessity your dog needs to get out every day is to relieve themselves. They get to have a potty break in relaxing, outdoor surroundings, and you have fewer smelly messes to clean up in your home.  But that’s just the beginning.

Another reason that’s just as important for the owner as it is the pet, is training.  In most places, you can’t bring your dog along with you unless they’re on a leash.  So, they need to have some good leash skills, which means a bit of basic training.  Unless they have some experience, it’s about as natural for your dog to be on a leash as it would be for you.  They need to learn how to respond to the leash, how to keep in tune with their owner and listen to your commands, both physical and verbal.  Do this right from the start and your outside time will be a lot less stressful – and more fun – for both of you.

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For your dog, the priorities are a little bit different.  First, they’re natural athletes.  They need to run, play, and get active.  This is big part of what keeps your canine friend healthy and happy.  Right alongside this is mental stimulation.  Even if they get to play in the backyard, your dog needs new sights, sounds, and smells to keep mentally alert and prevent boredom.  They are naturally curious about the world and they want to explore it with all their senses.  When they go outside, they get excited!  They get to discover everything that they can only hear from the backyard, and this keeps them happy, interested, and much less prone to the destructive, attention-seeking behaviour that accompanies boredom.

Dog walking is essential for another reason that you might not have considered: socialisation.  Dogs are social creatures, natural pack animals.  When they go on walks, they get to meet other dogs.  Regular walks with other dogs builds confidence, reduces anxiety, and helps them to learn basic social skills.  They’ll have a chance to play and roughhouse a little bit without things getting out of hand.  This is one of the keys to keeping your dog fit and in high spirits.

Even though it’s essential for your pet, it can be hard to keep up with them when you have a busy schedule and multiple demands on your time.  So, if you’d like a hand with Sydney dog walking, feel free to contact us.  At Hot Dog Walking we’re here to help you give your dog experiences in a variety of different walks, give them time to connect with other furry friends, and make sure they are as happy and healthy as they can be. Your dog will enjoy an adventure not just a walk.  Other than dog walking we also provide pet sitting and a pet taxi service for those with busy schedules.  Your canine companion is our #1 priority.