National Walk Your Dog Week
The Health Benefits of Walking with your Dog.
There are numerous health benefits to walking your dog, not just for your furry companion, but for you as well. First and foremost, walking is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Additionally, regular exercise can help to improve mood and reduce stress levels.
Walking your dog can also help to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Dogs love to explore and go on adventures. Going out on regular walks can help to fulfill their natural instincts. This can also help to curb destructive behavior, as a tired and content pup is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.
Finally, walking your dog can also help to promote socialization, both for you and your pet. You may meet other dog owners and their furry friends while out on a walk, which can help to build a sense of community and connection. Overall, walking your dog is a simple but effective way to improve both your physical and mental health, as well as the health and happiness of your pet.
When walking your dog be sure to take some treats. Walks are a great time to fit in a little training or just rewarding good behavior. Treats can also help your dog work through a scary situation like a loose dog or loud noise.
Do you love taking your dog for a walk? National Walk Your Dog Week is just around the corner, and we are celebrating it with our customer appreciation giveaway for the month of October!
Stop in during our regular store hours during the week of October 1st – October 7th and receive a FREE poop bag dispenser to take with you on your walk.
While supplies last!
We recommend visiting Geauga Park Districts list of local parks to find your next adventure!
Making the most of walking your dog.
Add exercises.
Some of our local parks have exercise trails but even if they don’t the natural world provides.
You: Use a log or rock to do lunges or leg stretches.
Dog: Guide your dog to put two paws up on a log or rock.
You: Using a tree for balance stand on one leg for a count of 10, switch legs. You don’t need to lift your foot high, even keeping your toe on the ground while weighting your other leg can benefit.
Dog: Guide your dog to walk along a log. Be sure the log won’t roll and steady your dog if necessary.
You: Find a bench, slowly sit down, use your muscles not gravity. Then stand up slowly. Want to challenge yourself, stand up using one leg.
Dog: Puppy pushups can be good for healthy dogs of any age. Cue your dog to sit, then down, then back into a sit. If your dog knows stand, you can mix that in as well.
You: Walk backwards a few steps and from side to side. This will work additional muscles in your legs and hips.
Dog: Teach your dog to go around a tree, both directions. This can work their core muscles plus it can help untangle when you and your dog walk on opposite sides of a tree.
When walking your dog, it’s not about the distance. Developing puppies and older dogs may need short walks. Or you may have physical limitations. It’s ok. Our dogs can get lots of benefits from sniffing around.
As with any exercise, don’t overdo it. Take it slow and watch for any signs of discomfort or reluctance.