Dog Walking

Provides Exercise as well as Mental Stimulation for your Dog

Walking provides physical and mental stimulation which are both basic needs for your dog.   If your dog is left alone for too long he will get bored and that can lead to behavioural problems such as barking, digging and destructive behaviour.  Dog walking can assist in eliminating these problems as it gives your dog an outlet to use his brain and explore the sights, smells, and sounds of the world.

Dog Walking

It's Good for your dogs health

An inactive dog can quickly pile on the weight.  Obese dogs can develop health problems such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease and bladder stones as well as some types of cancer.  The additional weight can also cause osteoarthritis and put a huge strain on the joints. Walking your dog can reduce these risks, it can also reduce stress, increase blood flow and provide your dog with an outlet to get rid of all that excess energy.

Dog Walking

Is a training opportunity and helps with Socialisation

When walking your dog, consider it a training opportunity. You can practice loose lead walking and some basic good manners such as sit, stay and leave it. If you are already practicing positive reinforcement training this is a great way to generalise the behaviours.

Walking your dog and exposing him to different dogs, people and situations is a great way to build up his confidence and feel less fearful and stressed when interacting with others.

Whilst I don't recommend long interactions with dogs when they are on a lead, you can still practice good behaviours such as engaging and then disengaging with other dogs in a calm friendly manner.  The more you practice, the more confident your dog will become.

What if I can't walk my dog?

You should expect to spend around 30 minutes twice a day on activities with your dog.  However that's just a general guide and you may need to adjust this depending on the breed, age and energy levels of your dog.

If you cannot walk your dog, it may be worth employing a dog walker to assist you.  If you’re at work all day, consider taking your dog to doggie daycare or employing the help of friends and relatives to look after your dog whilst you are away.

Your dog will get the enrichment and companionship they need and you will come home to a happy and relaxed dog.