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How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?
“Do you think you’re responsible enough to own a dog?”
This question is undoubtedly the first argument any parent would propose whenever their children desire to get their first dog. As expected, each child will flare up and give a myriad of reasons to prove that they are indeed ready and capable of looking after a pet, even though it might not necessarily be true.
When you were much younger, this question would have made you feel resentful. This is because, at that point, you firmly believed you would be able to take care of that adorable poodle you saw at the pet shop down the street.
The older you get and the more equipped you become with life experiences, it would get easier for you to understand the validity of this question. As impressive as it is to have good intentions, the truth is that it barely scratches the surface of what is needed to nurture and love another living being.
You need to carry out proper research to know how to feed them, bathe them, care for them when they are ill, and so on. There are so many things you must consider to ensure you are aware of all the responsibilities and challenges that will come with caring for a dog.
Regular walks and exercise are among the many essential elements you must be willing to provide to ensure your dog’s optimal health. Consequently, this article will cover the importance of walking your dog, as well as how frequent this should be. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Why Is It Important To Walk Your Dog?
Just as plants need sunshine and rainfall to thrive, it is imperative to understand that a balanced diet and regular shots aren’t the only things your furry love needs to live a healthy life. A critical element that makes a massive difference in your dog’s quality of life is the amount of exercise obtained from regular walks.
For starters, walking your dog is crucial as it provides mental stimulation for your pet and aids its socialization skills for its health. Studies have shown that regular walks help reduce the risk of obesity, lower a dog’s blood pressure and stress level, and strengthen their bones and muscles.
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, always eager for an opportunity to explore their environment. Frequent walks give them the chance to discover the lovely intricacies the world offers and reduce the risk of boredom which typically leads to destructive behavior.
Although many people might believe that walking a dog only benefits the dog, this is not true. Dog walking comes with a stream of benefits extending to its owners. Taking your dog on frequent walks creates an avenue for you and your pet to socialize and foster a healthy relationship, ultimately strengthening your bond with them.
Factors That Will Determine How Often You Walk Your Dog
Even after understanding the stream of benefits of dog walking, it is imperative to note that each dog has specific needs that determine how often they are walked. As a dog owner, you must be aware of these needs to prevent common mistakes that will do you and your dog more harm than good.
Three factors that you must consider before you can dedicate a portion of your schedule to dog walking are your dog’s age, breed, and physical endurance.
Age
Like humans, dogs typically have more energy when they’re younger. As such, they will need to spend more time playing and exercising. As soon as you have adequately vaccinated your puppy, you can begin taking them on two or three short, frequent walks per day, and each can last for about ten minutes.
Adults dogs and senior dogs do not require as much exercise as puppies. Thus, a five to fifteen-minute walk per day would suffice, depending on your pet’s endurance and physical health.
Breed/Species
Your dog’s breed also plays a massive role in determining the amount of exercise it needs. Higher energy dogs like Terriers and Australian Shepherds typically require longer walks than lower energy dogs like Mastiffs and Great Danes.
Physical Endurance
The final and most crucial factor you must consider is your dog’s physical endurance. Just as there are humans who can lift heavier weights and jog longer than others, there are dogs who are more athletic and can tolerate longer walks. When next you walk your dog, pay attention to their pace and energy level as this would undoubtedly help you decide how frequently they need to be walked.
In conclusion, it is essential to remember that each dog has special needs which must be monitored to prevent it from over-exerting itself.