Benefits of walking your dog

Abby, Rosie and I just returned from our morning walk. I was going to post today on a different subject, but while out walking on this beautiful Fall morning, I was inspired to write about the benefits of walking your dog.

All I have to do is put my tennis shoes on, and both dogs head for the back door and their leashes. I find it humorous that neither dog minds wet grass when we go walking; they plow through it joyously. It's a different story at home when they stick their heads out the door and see fog, let alone a light misty rain. Oh no, back inside they go and will hold it endlessly until the weather clears.

If you've ever watched Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer on the Discovery Channel, you know he advocates walking your dog as the first step for any behavioral problem. The reason for this is that dogs are natural travelers, and they have a need to explore new territory every day in order to remain mentally healthy and stable. When I adopted Rosie two months ago, she was emotionally unstable from whatever abuse she suffered in the past. She clung to me like I was her lifeline for the first few days, and anything and everything scared her. The one exception was when we went walking. Her first full day with us started off with a walk. I was amazed how this trembling little girl transformed as soon as we started walking. She and Abby immediately fell in stride with each other, shoulder to shoulder, tails wagging, and sniffing the same spots. She was a normal, happy dog for that time we spent walking. When we returned home, both dogs were tired out from their explorations, and laid down peacefully next to each other. I really think walking them together right away formed a bond between them, and they just accepted each other from that point on, with no growling or fighting over territory. My family couldn't believe how easily Abby accepted a new dog into her domain.

I really believe Cesar's methods work. Walking your dog stabilizes him or her mentally and physically by letting them expend energy. If a dog doesn't get exercise beyond his yard, he or she will be bored and that can lead to bad behavior. Dogs have different energy levels. It's the high energy dogs that will use their boredom in destructive ways, and are more likely to suffer separation anxiety when you leave them home alone. Small dogs may not need as much exercise, but walking benefits them as well. I know it may be difficult to find time to walk your dog every day, believe me. But I see a real difference in my dogs on the days we walk compared to the days when we don't. Try it and you'll be convinced too.

Cesar Millan's books can be purchased at Amazon.com, link for which is at the left.