Dog walking has huge benefits for pet parents and their dogs, from improving our physical and mental health to helping our dogs get the exercise and stimulation they need to thrive. However, we sometimes don’t have as much time for regular walks as we’d like.
Missing out on walks impacts our dogs, as this is often the best part of their day! That’s why we’ve explored exactly what makes dog walks so important, plus how to improve the experience for you and your dog.
For those days when you need a little help, using a dog-walking service is a great idea. If you’re curious about how to make sure your dog is ready to head out with a professional dog walker, we’ve covered that, too.
Why It Matters
Most of us know that taking our dogs on regular walks is a great way for them—and us—to stay fit and healthy. “However, many pet parents don’t realise how good walks are for their dogs’ mental health,” explained Dr Nick Horniman, vet and founder of online pet pharmacy myPetsVet.
Walks also add crucial structure to your dog’s day. “From a dog’s perspective, they don’t know what’s going to happen when,” said Joe Nutkins, professional trainer and owner of Dog Training for Essex and Suffolk. “They know they are getting meals, but what else will their day contain?” Your dog doesn’t know whether there will be visitors, playtime, or treats, but a regular walk is something they can rely on.
Here’s more about why walks matter for our dogs:
- Allows your dog to get enough physical exercise (particularly important for active breeds like Bearded Collies and Golden Retrievers)
- Offers opportunities for mental stimulation and socialisation
- Helps your dog maintain a healthy weight
And why walks matter for us, too:
- Helps you bond with your dog through shared experiences
- Encourages you to get out and exercise
- Reduces stress
- Lowers blood pressure
- Offers opportunities to socialise with other pet parents
Those benefits are worth it alone. However, it’s also important to consider how to make those daily walks as effective as possible.
How to Improve the Walking Experience
If your walks are starting to feel a bit boring, there’s plenty you can do to make things more interesting or rewarding for you and your dog. Here are some expert tips to get you started.
Tailor walks to your dog’s age and fitness levels
“The age of your dog can affect the amount and length of walks you should be taking them on,” explains Dr. Horniman. Here are his recommendations for each life stage:
- Puppies: It is a good idea to aim for shorter, more frequent walks to accommodate their growing bodies and shorter attention spans.
- Adult dogs: They will need regular walks, possibly with some longer sessions or added activities like fetch.
- Senior dogs: Due to their reduced stamina, senior dogs will need slower-paced walks with more breaks and possibly shorter distances.
Adapt your walks to your dog’s breed and personality
Some breeds, like Australian Shepherds, are quite happy to head out for an all-day hike or a strenuous run. Others, like Chihuahuas or Boston Terriers, will prefer shorter, gentler walks. Use an exercise calculator to work out the ideal amount of exercise, then adjust if your dog seems to need more or less.
It’s also important to consider your dog’s character. Dogs with anxiety or reactivity may prefer a quieter walk, while outgoing and confident dogs often enjoy walks through busy parks or towns.
If you have multiple dogs, consider whether it’s better to take them on some walks individually or if they’re all happy to go on a walk together. If you do take multiple dogs out at the same time, make sure you can control them all safely.
Train your dog before heading out
“All dogs need to understand basic commands like ‘sit’,’ stay’ and ‘come’ to ensure safety during walks,” said Dr. Horniman. They should also be comfortable on a lead and know how to walk to heel. If you’re not confident your dog has mastered the basics, work with a professional trainer who can help fill in the gaps.
Switch up types of walks
“Changing where you take your dog can provide new enrichment in new scents, places to explore, different dogs to interact with, and more,” explains Nutkins. “Choosing what type of walk to go on can be part of the fun.”
Nutkins suggested switching quiet walks in the countryside for busier walks with more opportunities for interaction with other dogs and people. See what your dog likes best, and work on adding variations on that type of walk.
Use a dog-walking service
“There are some fantastic dog walk services available that can help with walking your dog if you are unable to take them out or to break up your dog’s day while you are working,” advised Nutkins. These sessions can be tailored to your dog’s needs, so they might involve something simple like a quick walk from home or something more energetic like a long, fast walk through the park.
“If you want to use a dog-walking service, you should make sure that your dog is well prepared to deal with a stranger walking them,” said Dr. Horniman. To ensure this, Nutkins recommends preparing your dog by ”working on things like recall, having a lead put on calmly, and not jumping up at people.” If your dog will be staying on-lead for their walks, practice making sure they’re used to this rather than anticipating being let off for a run.
Normally, you’ll have a meet-and-greet session with a dog walker so they can learn more about your dog and their needs. “This gives you and the walker a chance to meet each other, discuss concerns or requirements, and assess if your dog will be comfortable with them,” explained Nutkins.
She also added that if your dog is going to be walked with other dogs, this is a chance to see how your dog will be with those dogs. “Dog walkers are dedicated to ensuring all dogs in their care are happy and comfortable, so they will create small groups of dogs with similar energy levels and exercise requirements.”
Consequences of Not Walking a Dog
“Owners who do not take their dogs on a sufficient number of walks run the risk of causing health issues down the line,” cautioned Dr Horniman. “Obesity, muscle atrophy and joint problems can all arise from a lack of exercise,” he added.
He also mentioned that behavioural issues can start to creep up, with excessive barking and destructive behaviour often the main responses to a lack of walking. Nutkins added that these behaviours “can appear to be a protest but for our dogs, it’s literally their way of adjusting to their needs.”
Stopping regular walks can also impact your dog’s weight, fitness, and muscle tone. “Gaining weight can put pressure on the joints and contribute to physical problems in the future while losing muscle tone can affect a dog’s ability to walk, run, sit, and stand comfortably,” said Nutkins. She also mentioned that some dogs can lose muscle tone in just a few days, so it doesn’t take long for these changes to start affecting your dog’s health.
Making Time for Walkies
We might get to see all sorts of sights and sounds during our day. However, for our dogs, their daily walk is one of their main opportunities to explore the world.
Taking good care of our dogs by ensuring they get regular chances to explore the world outside is one of the many ways we show dogs we love them.
The good news is that even if you haven’t got as much time to walk your dog as you’d like, signing them up for regular outings with a professional means they’re still able to enjoy all the benefits of a good walk while you can rest easy knowing your dog is in good hands.