WALKING YOUR DOG: THE TOP 7 BENEFITS 

We all know that walking your dog is good, but do you know just how good it is? There are lots of physical and mental benefits of walking your dog, including improved cardiovascular health, digestion, mental health and more.

Obesity can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease, all things you want to avoid for your dog. Walking is an excellent way to manage your dog's weight and prevent these issues. In 2020, The Australian Veterinary Association reported that 41% of pets were overweight or obese. By engaging in daily walks, your dog can burn calories, maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce the risk of developing weight-related ailments.

Obesity isn’t just a problem for humans but also for dogs. The RSPCA has also found that more than 40% of dogs are overweight or obese, which is a huge amount. A recent study by the University of NSW also found that more than half of owners didn’t walk their dogs. Regular dog walking is great for everyone involved, pet and owner alike. Read on for our detailed guide about the advantages of walking your dog, both physically and emotionally, as you spend some quality time with your best fur friend.

THE BENEFITS OF TAKING YOUR DOG FOR A WALK

It is well known that physical activity for the dog owner is vital for good health but so is it for the dogs. These benefits from walking include;

1. JOINT HEALTH

It might seem counterintuitive, but walking can help strengthen your dog’s joints, even if they are seniors. Regular walking can help keep joints working and functional. It is a case of "use it or lose it". Nutritional support can also make quite an impact, so finding a diet with minerals such as calcium and phosphorus as well as Omega fatty acids is a great way to help aid their joint health.

2. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Any exercise will increase the amount of energy used each day, and a good walk also counts. It may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that to maintain a healthy weight, the amount of energy that we consume (and our pets as well) each day must match the energy we use. If a walking pace is too easy or not quite keeping that extra weight at bay, try ramping up the pace to a light jog or a run. Walking is also a great way to maintain muscle mass without intensive exercise.

3. MENTAL HEALTH

Humans don’t usually stay at home all day and dogs shouldn’t have to either! Changing your dog’s environment can provide mental stimulation on an ongoing basis for them, but also yourself. The brain, just like other muscles, needs to be challenged regularly to develop. Walks are a perfect way to provide lots of new stimuli in the form of new sights, smells, sounds and tactile sensations. To really mix it up, try bringing them to different locations like dog-friendly parks, beaches, hikes and trail walks. You’ll probably enjoy being out and about just as much as they do!

4. SOCIALISATION

We all know at least one dog that is a bit socially awkward, making things difficult when they meet other dogs and people. Exposing your dog to different social environments during early stages of their development (9-12 weeks-old) is important to make sure they don’t miss out on normal behavioural development. Although leaving your dog to run around in a big garden could provide enough space for physical exercise, it won’t provide the social interactions they need.

If your dog is up to date with vaccines, dog parks, group walks and dog-friendly beaches are great ways to normalise interactions with other dogs and humans.

There are a lot of services that provide dog walking, or even better, dog adventures where they’ll take your dog on a dog-friendly adventure with a group of other dogs. This is a perfect solution if you have little time but really want to provide your dog with social opportunities and tons of fun.

Just like people, not all dogs are social beings so never force your dog to play with others. They may prefer to watch from the side-lines where they feel comfortable and just spend some quality time with their human. Your encounters can lead to conversations, new friendships, and a sense of community, improving your dog's behaviour and confidence in the process. Learn more about the importance of socialisation, especially for puppies, here.

5. BEHAVIOURAL TRAINING

Going for walks also provides a great opportunity to practise obedience and training. It’s quite common to see dogs pulling at leashes, ignoring recall commands and chasing after things or people that would prefer to be left alone. Taking the time to properly train your dog to walk on a leash without pulling and to be responsive to recall commands will be appreciated by other people, dogs and general wildlife. If you can, start ingraining these behaviours while your dog is still young. Practising these commands at home where there are less distractions before taking them out into the real world is a great tip.

During walks, your dog will encounter different stimuli, including other dogs, people, and unfamiliar environments. Exposing your dog to these distractions in controlled settings during walks can help with basic obedience training, especially with puppies. Learn more about this here.

Walking is a great way to burn off excess energy in dogs and help them vent any pent-up frustration that might result from restlessness and lack of physical, mental or sensory stimulation can take on lots of different forms: constant pestering, barking, excessive chewing, digging, escaping or a huge range of other more undesirable behaviours. Daily walks are great for helping with this, exercising their mind and body through different stimuli.

6. BUILDS A BOND

Walking your dog is a shared experience that can strengthen the bond between you and your loyal friend. As you spend quality time together during walks, you deepen your connection and build trust. Walking provides a chance to communicate non-verbally, understand each other's cues, and better understand your dog's needs and preferences. This shared activity creates a positive association, fostering a sense of companionship and enhancing your emotional bond.

7. HELPS TO EASE SEPARATION ANXIETY

Daily walks can be an effective strategy for managing and easing separation anxiety in dogs. If your pup suffers from heightened stress and anxiety levels when left alone, this can lead to destructive behaviours, excessive barking, or attempts to escape. Regular walking allows your dog to release pent-up energy, which can help alleviate their overall anxiety levels. It provides an outlet for their energy, making them more relaxed and less prone to destructive behaviours when they are away. Any mental stimulation helps divert a stressed dog's attention from the anxiety of being alone. Walking exposes them to new environments, scents, and experiences, which engage their senses and keep their minds occupied. The mental stimulation provided during walks can help reduce anxiety levels and prevent the development of negative behaviours driven by boredom or frustration. Read more about how to ease separation anxiety here.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WALK MY DOG?

If a dog could answer this question they might probably say “forever!” It is a great question and really depends on the breed of the dog, age and if they have any health conditions that need to be considered. A senior dog with joint issues will need less exercise at a much lower intensity than a healthy adult border collie who is full of energy. However, walking regularly is a great low-impact option for them that can be tailored to each pet individually. A routine with regular exercise (e.g. a shorter walk each day) is preferable to one big walk in the weekend going for several hours. Life can get in the way at times, and it can be difficult for some people with work or other commitments to dedicate time to a daily routine. Consider alternative options like including another family member, a friend or your local dog-walker, making sure your dog gets the opportunity to go outside.

HOW LONG SHOULD I TAKE MY DOG FOR A WALK?

According to Better Health, a 30-minute walk five times weekly is the minimum recommended amount of time. However, it is important to remember that different dog breeds have varying exercise needs. High-energy breeds, such as Border Collies or Retrievers, typically require longer and more vigorous walks than smaller or low-energy breeds.

THINGS TO MONITOR FOR WHEN GOING FOR WALKS

RISK OF OVERHEATING

Overheating can be real and even life-threatening for many dogs. Dogs pant and use their fur (as protection for skin from heat) to cool down unlike humans who sweat making it easy for them to succumb quickly to hot temperatures. Try to avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day. A pro tip is if the pavement is too hot to touch yourself, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. During warmer weather, make sure you bring lots of water and try to walk in the shade as much as you can. Brachycephalic (short snout) dogs like Pugs and French bulldogs should be extra careful as it is harder for them to manage their own body temperature and are therefore more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

OVERWEIGHT OR SENIOR DOGS

Walking is good for overweight and older dogs, but needs to be done in moderation and adjusted to their ability. If you have any questions about how much is too much, speak with your veterinarian. Don’t start intensive canine F45 challenges straight off the mark, but instead start with gentle, slow-paced walks and gradually increase the distance and difficulty as they become comfortable with each stage. Joint problems can also be a common problem for overweight or old dogs so make sure to feed a diet with joint or weight support. Learn more about how to approach a weight management plan for your dog here.

RISK OF EATING THINGS THEY SHOULDN’T

Our dogs are fast, and their noses even faster! You never know what is under the hedge, in the drains, or around the corner. Especially when walking off-leash, supervise your dog to make sure they aren’t eating anything that is harmful to them (either toxic or that can cause a blockage). At the park, litter and food left by other people can be hazardous for dogs. Simple things like chocolate, raisins or grapes are common picnic foods but very dangerous for dogs. Beaches also pose a problem with jellyfish, dead animals and the dreaded fishing hook. With dog trails and beaches often being more remote, it can be difficult to find a nearby veterinarian if things do go wrong.

FEEDING

Do you remember your parents telling you to wait 30 minutes before going for a swim? Make sure you give your dog time to digest their meals too. It’s recommended that you don’t feed a large meal immediately before or after exercise. In some cases, this can lead to medical concerns like bloat and other problems. Getting out and walking with your dog is a great activity to keep you both fit and healthy, mentally and physically. Get outside and enjoy this time together.

FAQS

What Happens if You Don’t Walk Your Dog?
If you don't walk your dog regularly, their physical health and overall well-being can suffer. A lack of exercise can lead to various health problems; they are more likely to become overweight, and experience reduced muscle tone, poor cardiovascular fitness, and weakened immune function. Dogs also need mental stimulation, and behavioural issues may arise without regular walks and exposure to new environments, smells, and experiences.

I have a yard; do I still need to walk my dog?
Even with a yard, it is still important to walk your dog regularly. Your yard can offer some space for your dog to run around and engage in light activity, but this is not the same as a structured walk. Walking your dog outside the yard also offers valuable opportunities for socialisation and training while strengthening your bond and building trust in one another.