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Why the Walk is So Important to Your Dog!  |
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No one needs to tell you that your dog should be walked on a daily basis. You probably think that a daily walk is all about making sure the dog is getting enough exercise. Although exercise is part of it, it is only a small part of why a walk is so important to your dog.
For your dog, here’s what the walk is really about:
Part of the Pack: It probably wouldn’t shock you to learn that dogs only walk with members of their pack. Why would a dog walk with someone who wasn’t? A daily walk reinforces the pack structure, that’s why it’s a good idea to get the whole family in on the daily walk. If you have more than one dog it is absolutely necessary to walk them all together. You want to reinforce the pack structure and the walk is the best way to do it.
Who’s in charge: You are in charge. That is why you should always walk in front of your dog, and never let the dog walk in front of you. Whoever is in front is the one in charge. Keeping your dog at your side or behind you reinforces your place as the leader of the pack.
Following the rules: believe it or not, your dog wants to follow the rules. But unfortunately, most dog owners don’t impose any rules. Making your dog go where you want, and to stop where you say to stop makes your dog obey, and that is very important mentally to the dog. It is exercise for the brain. A disciplined walk leaves the dog with a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of fulfillment.
Many problems go away: Many dogs have behavioral problems such as separation anxiety and obsessive chewing; many of these problems can be solved with proper walking.
In the past dogs were bread for specific reasons, they weren’t bread to be child replacements as they have become in our society. Dogs need something to do, and the walk, from the dog’s perspective is something to do. It fills the void left by not having a job. The walk is a big part of making sure your dog has a fulfilling life.
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