I hear this a bunch. Unfortunately a lot of dog owners think because they have a BIG yard their dog does not need to go for walks. They are sure wrong in their thinking. In this article I am going to try to dispel that myth and give you some answers and the reasons why it is a myth.
Having a large backyard is great for an active dog. It can allow you to play retrieve games, Frisbee and even some agility if that yard is big enough for all the equipment. However those games are great exercise which your dog definitely needs but it is in no way a substitute for going on walks.
Wild dogs walk a bunch all day long. Why? Well they are looking for food and water. I realize that your dog doesn’t need to hunt for food but the walking is still something that it needs to do make it feel good and satisfied.
You may not realize this but walking builds serotonin in the brain not only for your dog but you as well. Serotonin is a must if you want a well-balanced happy dog. Since you are walking as well, you will get all the great benefits including building serotonin in your brain as well.
Walking with your dog builds a bond. A bond that makes your dog realize that you are the pack leader. Being your dog’s pack leader actually will make him happier because he realizes that you are taking responsibility and it relieves him from having to assume that responsibility.
Remember that taking your dog for walks allows it to discover all the great things that are out there to see and experience.
One thing that you may not know is that small dogs need walks as well as their bigger brothers. Small dogs may not need or even to be able to walk as far as a larger breed however they do need to get out on a walk.
Now here is a challenge for those of you that do not currently walk your dogs. Make a pledge to give your dog a walk every day for 10 days. Watch your dog’s enthusiasm, look how happy it appears. That is because it is feeling better not only physically but mentally as well.
If you accept my challenge I think that the results will be so good that you will want to continue. The best part about this challenge is that you will feel better as well so give it a try!
Do you need help teaching you dog to walk nicely on a loose leash? We can help. If you are in Nashville, TN, Chattanooga, TN, Clarksville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Huntsville, AL and Indianapolis, IN visit us at Canine Behavior Specialists and give us a call.
Please remember we can help you with dog training or problem solving no matter where you are located. In fact we have clients all over the U.S. simply visit www.TrainMyDogOnline.com for more information and the give us a call.
Until next time,
P.S. Do you need some advice from a Canine Behavior Specialist? If so CLICK HERE now!
About the Author: Wayne Booth is owner of Canine Behavior Specialists which is headquartered in Nashville, TN but serves clients all over the U.S.. If you have a dog with aggression, behavior problems or simply needs training feel free to contact him.
Wayne has also been teaching people how to become Professional Dog Trainers since 1990 and he is the Training Director of Canine Behavior Specialists Network. If you would like to become a Professional Dog Trainer he can get you started.
Great article Wayne!! I couldn’t agree more about how important the leash walk is for any dog. I like to say it would be like taking your kids to school, but they only made it to the playground! They need structure that stimulates the brain just like us.
The leash should never be a restraint between you and dog, but a link that makes you and best friend one. Hand signals, starts and stops, praise at the right time creates the “follow the leader” scenario.
The leash walk should be a time for you to relax and show off your dog. It’s not how far you go , but what you do on the leash walk that can make in the biggest difference in the world!
Thanks for the comment Steve. Thanks for adding these great ideas to the article. I hope things are going well for you in Raleigh, NC.
People often ask me how I get my dog to be so calm. My answer is that she runs with me almost every day and runs with my husband on days I don’t run. (An average of 15-20 miles a week). Aka. She’s waaaayy too pooped to be hyperactive. Great article! Love the challenge!
Thanks Hannah, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
Great important info. As a dog trainer, this is the very thing I tell dog owners all the time, especially as a important component of Basic Obedience. Thanks Wayne!
Steven, thanks for the comment. Where do you train or I guess better yet where are you located?