What Happens If You Don’t Take Your Dog For A Walk
Dogs are pets that require attention, effort, patience, and time. Owning a dog is not something to be taken lightly, but the good thing is that dogs return the care and love you give to them tenfold. They are loyal animals who love to spend time with their humans. One way that you can bond with your dog is to take it for daily walks. We all know that it’s important to take a dog for a walk daily, and here’s why.
They Don’t Get Enough Exercise
To be healthy and happy, dogs need exercise. Walking is a great way to do this. If you don’t have a backyard where they can run around to their heart’s content, this is especially true. Sometimes your dog may need a little push to get them to exercise (just like people!) but if your dog is healthy and well, regular exercise helps keep them at optimal health and fitness.
They Get Bored
A bored dog is a disruptive dog! Taking your dog on walks keeps them entertained and mentally stimulated. If you find your dog digging holes, chewing on things they shouldn’t, or just getting caught up in all manner of mess, it’s a cue that they need to spend their energy on something productive – and a walk is just the thing.
They Don’t Learn How to Socialize
When you take your dog out, they get to meet new dogs and people. If your dog doesn’t have the opportunity to socialize with others, they won’t learn how to be friendly with other dogs, which can cause problems in the future. Your dog will inevitably have to be in public places, whether it's at the vet or the dog park, so socializing them in more controlled environments such as a daily walk in the neighborhood is a good way to build up their confidence.
They Won’t Learn About Their Environment
Dogs are curious and intelligent creatures who need to explore. If they’re stuck at home all the time, they won’t get the chance to do that. When you take your dog on a walk, they get to see, smell and hear new things. They get a chance to learn about their environment – it’s an adventure for them! Your dog depends on you to take them out so that they can get these new experiences, and it’s recommended that you vary the places you take them to so that they are kept mentally stimulated.
They Don’t Train Their Brains
On that note, mental stimulation – like physical exercise – is important in keeping dogs content and enriched. Your daily walks are also opportunities for dogs to exercise their brains and keep their wits sharp. This is just as important to your dog’s wellbeing as them being physically fit.
Prepare for a Walk
Before you take your dog for a walk, you want to make sure that you have all you need for a special outing. This includes getting the proper harness or leash for your dog’s size, personality, and type. Once you’ve got that in order, it’s time to head out. Have fun!