Dogs cannot be left alone for lengthy periods of time since they are not self-sufficient and rely on their owners to live healthy and happy lives. Being able to walk your dog on a regular basis is an important aspect of caring for them. Dogs are naturally curious and lively, and they enjoy going on adventures with their owners, even if it’s the same path every time.
What happens if you don’t take your dog for a walk? Is it really that big of a deal, or does it make you a lousy pet owner?
- They Don’t Get Enough Exercise: Dogs require exercise to stay healthy and happy, and going on a walk is a fantastic way to do it. This is especially true if you do not have a backyard where they may freely run around. If your dog gets a lot of exercise from playing with you in your yard (remember, dogs don’t entertain themselves; you must provide them with something to do) or going to a dog park on a regular basis, that’s fantastic! Perhaps you don’t need to walk them as often as you think. However, if they never leave your house, you should absolutely take a walk with them.
- They Get Bored, Which Leads To Bad Behaviour: Taking your dog on a walk is one of the finest ways to keep them interested. Boredom is a common occurrence in dogs, and it doesn’t simply result in them laying around being lazy – it frequently ends in negative behavior. A bored dog with plenty of energy will find ways to entertain himself/herself. These ways are unlikely to amuse you. “If your dog digs holes, chews things, or simply gets into annoying situations, they may need to go for a walk to release their pent-up energy.
- They Don’t Learn How To Be Social: Another benefit of taking your dog for a walk is that it allows you to bond with him. They will have the opportunity to observe and even interact with other dogs. If your dog isn’t socialized, he or she may be less sociable to other dogs, which could lead to problems in the future. Consider this: if you don’t expose a newborn to other children or people, they won’t learn how to behave around them, and they may struggle in school as well as with friends later in life. Dogs are similar to cats and babies!
- They Don’t Learn About Their Environment: Dogs are inherently interested and eager to learn more about the world. They won’t be able to do that if they’re always confined to your home. In addition, exploring their own yard may become tedious after a while. Walking allows your dog to experience new sights, smells, and sounds while also learning about their surroundings.
- Their Mind Isn’t Kept As Active: Regular walks provide much-needed physical exercise for dogs, but they are also a mental activity.
- You Don’t Take Advantage of Training Moments: If you’re struggling to train your dog or teach them certain things, you might want to try more regular walks. Without your dog, you’re missing out on some great training moments. Walking together with your dog is a good time to work on basic obedience. There are alot of opportunities to teach them to sit, look at you, roll over, stay, etc.
- You Both Miss Out On A Bonding Moment: Dogs enjoy being active as well as being with their owners, and going on a walk allows them to do both. Walking your dog is a wonderful way for you and your pet to bond and get closer — and who doesn’t want that for their pet?
Here are several telltale signs that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise;
Becoming Overweight: Weight gain is one of the indicators that your pet needs more activity. You may need to assess how much you are feeding your pet in addition to increasing daily walks and exercising. A poor diet combined with a lack of physical activity might cause your companion to gain weight quickly. If your dog is significantly fat, you should get professional guidance on an appropriate exercise and diet plan for your pet from your local veterinarian.
Destructive Behaviour: Destructive behavior is another symptom that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. All dogs require a way to release their pent-up energy. Your dog may begin to act badly if they are unable to release pent-up energy by walking, running, or exercising. Chewing items around the house, getting into the garbage can, and pooping in unsuitable areas are all symptoms of disruptive canine behavior habits.
Restlessness: When you take your pet out or put them on a leash, they may show signs of being over excited. Of course, some dogs are naturally more exuberant than others, but changes in your dog’s behavior could indicate that they need more exercise.
Being Withdrawn Or Depressed: Some dogs, on the other hand, grow withdrawn when they are not given enough physical and mental stimulation. This type of behavior can take the form of being uninterested in what’s going on, resting in the corner all day, or refusing to engage with you. There are, of course, other causes for such behavior. As a result, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out an underactive thyroid gland or any other underlying problem.
- Stiffness: Have you recently realized that your pet dog is having trouble walking around? Is he afraid of going up and down stairs, or does he have trouble sleeping? These indicators may indicate that your dog requires more exercise. Your pet’s muscles can become stiff and strained as a result of a sedentary lifestyle. When they move, this might cause muscle weakness and pain. Regular exercise keeps muscles and ligaments relaxed and loose while also keeping them strong.
It’s possible that stiffness while walking is due to arthritis in dogs. So, getting your pet dog’s health checked out first can be a good idea. Excessive Barking: Constant barking could also be your dog’s way of communicating that they need more exercise.
If you take your dog for daily walks and make sure he receives enough exercise, you will notice an improvement in your own health.
Exercising your dog keeps him fit and healthy while also reducing behavioral issues like excessive licking, barking, chewing, digging, and other anxiety-related behaviors. It also aids your dog’s development of trust and confidence in you and their surroundings.