"The Daily Dog Walk: The best daily thing you can give your dog! 5 Reasons & dog walking tips to help you get the best out of your daily walk.

Willow & Logan enjoying a run in one of their favourite fields

Whether you have a big dog or a small dog, a puppy or a senior. The one thing that they all require each day apart from our love and gifts of food is the daily walk. A walk for a dog is their most basic need and if you are committed to caring for a dog then you must know that 365 days a year you will be walking your dog...except in some special cases that I will cover in this post

So come rain or come shine (more rain for me as I live in the UK) your dog should be walked and below are my top 5 reasons why.

Reason #1 - Physical Health:

Like humans, dogs require regular exercise to maintain optimal physical health and weight. Your daily walks contribute to weight management, joint health, and cardiovascular fitness. This doesn't mean that you have to strap your dog to you as you both go off running, although if this is your thing and you have a breed that loves to run then this is the perfect combo for you both.

However a brisk stroll or a leisurely saunter will also help if your dog has a slower pace as all of these outings help prevent obesity and related health issues, ensuring a longer, happier life for your dog and also adding some daily steps to help you with your own health.

Rocky on many of his daily walks when he was younger

Reason #2 - Mental Stimulation:

Dogs are intelligent and curious creatures that thrive on mental stimulation. Your daily walk introduces them to new smells, sights and sounds, essentially acting as a canine mind gym!

Unlike humans, dogs see through their noses and smelling all the new or familiar scents is vitally important to their wellbeing. It's like reading the news for them or spending some time chilling on social media. All those smells tell a story of who has passed by and who is around.

Changing your walk to different places is also important as it offers variety for your dog and also for yourself! Whether it's the beach, the park or the countryside these locations offer the perfect mental workout which prevents boredom and any behavioural issues that may arise from it, such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Rocky enjoying many different walks in and around Kent.

Reason #3 - Socialisation:

Dogs are social animals, and regular walks provide valuable opportunities for them to interact with other dogs and people. This socialisation is crucial for developing good behaviour and preventing aggression or anxiety in various situations. Additionally, encountering different environments and stimuli helps your dog become a well-rounded and confident companion.

Remember though, that not all dogs have to be friends with each so it's important that your socialisation is done with other dogs that are well rounded. Remember just stopping and talking to another dog owner whilst your dogs sit opposite each other is still socialisation. The scent alone is enough for them to say hello. Once you have built that trust then you can let your dogs have some playtime.

Willow is a social butterfly. She is great at reading other dogs energy and the only dog to put up with Logan!

Reason #4 - Bonding Time:

Beyond the physical and mental benefits, your daily walks strengthen the bond between you and your dog. This shared activity creates a sense of routine and predictability, offering a dedicated time for connection. With this in mind my top tip (and pet hate!) is to ensure your phone is only out with you for emergencies only and not the focus of your walk.

Your walk is really about your dog and not you. When I see people walking along with their dog but just staring into a device really frustrates me. You are missing the most beautiful time between you and your dog. This time allows you to focus on training and building trust with your dog.

So as you explore the neighbourhood or a nearby park together, make sure this is time set for you both and not your phone! By doing this you will find joy in the simple pleasure of companionship which is vital to a pack animal.

Willow and I on a walk together not long after we rescued each other. She does love her kisses!

Reason #5 - Stress Relief:

My last reason for the daily walk is to help with your dogs stress levels. Dogs, like humans, experience stress, and daily walks serve as an effective stress-relief outlet. Imagine being stuck in one location all day and not going outside? I hear this from time to time "my dog is only small and doesn't need a daily walk!"....erm, that is not only incorrect but I see it as cruel to not walk your dog daily. Giving them this break is vitally important to help relieve stress.

Just the physical activity and exposure to nature have a calming effect on your dog, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being. As you and your dog traverse familiar paths, the world outside your doorstep becomes a source of comfort and tranquility. I also see this as a place to find my own peace and tranquility. Away from phones, emails and that other hassle that life throws at you.

"To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring - it was peace" – Milan Kundera

Conclusion

So when don't you walk your dog? The answer is very simple. If your dog has had surgery you must be aware that over walking in the recovery stages can cause more problems later on down the line. When Rocky had his leg removed I had to take walks very slowly at first but those small walks were vital to his recovery and rehabilitation.

Rocky during his various stages of rehabilitation after his surgery

It's not just surgery that you need to be cautious with. Do not walk if your area has extreme weather warnings. Living in the UK we are in storm season at the moment so I have to keep an eye on the weather during this time. If weather is effecting your normal walk schedule then you will need to change it to either earlier or later, just don't put yourself or your dog at risk in these extreme circumstances.

So in the midst of our hectic lives, the daily walk with your dog emerges as a therapeutic and rewarding practice. Remember, if you have committed your life to looking after a dog then you must know that the daily walk is a part of that commitment. Never see the walk as a chore, it is a shared adventure than enhances both physical and mental well-being. Embrace the opportunity to strengthen your bond, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create lasting memories with your beautiful dog.

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