January is Walk Your Dog Month, which makes it the perfect time to set New Year’s goals for walking with your pooch! Taking time to walk your dog is an important part of strengthening your relationship with your best friend. Not to mention, walking with your dog comes with some really great benefits for both of you!
Walking is a great form of exercise and can help both you and your dog live healthier lives. Both people and dogs live longer when they regularly exercise! Walks also help promote joint health. This keeps both you and your dog sprightly and mobile- which is essential for the long life ahead of you both!
In addition to physical health benefits, walking can help with mental health. Both you and your dog will have your mood boosted by being outside in the fresh air and taking in new scenery. Learning new routes and taking in new smells helps to stimulate your dog and keep them happy. And there is no better stress relief than walking with your happy hound!
Taking regular walks with your dog can also help strengthen your bond. Being out in areas with new sights, smells, and sounds can be scary for them. This means they will need your support and encouragement as they go along. Going on walks together will provides this for them and helps them to bond with you. The more you walk together, the more your dog will gain confidence and trust in your relationship.
Walking is also a great time to work on training with your dog. Dogs love to listen at home where there are less distractions, but taking them into a new environment can test their skills. All the distractions out on a walk can make a great setting for working on your dog’s focus. Additionally, taking your dog for walks helps them stay out of trouble at home. A well exercised dog is less likely to get bored and get into mischief.
Did you know that you can also help our shelter pets by walking your dog? Download the WoofTrax (c) “Walk for a Dog” app on your smart phone and start earning money for Roice-Hurst Humane Society today. The more people actively walking with the free Walk for a Dog app, the greater the donation to your selected animal organization! Use the app each time you grab for the leash. It’s healthy for you, your dog, and your favorite shelter or rescue. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store today!
Now that you know all the amazing things that come from walking with your dog- it’s time to grab the leash and get out there. The world awaits!
