Take a Walk with Your Dog – You’ll Both Benefit

Janie Heinrich, Founder of MobilityDog, Out For A Walk With Service Dog Beckett

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that healthy adults spend at least 150 minutes per week doing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and at least two days per week doing muscle-strengthening exercise. However, only 28 percent of people in the U.S. actually follow those guidelines, according to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in its 2020 National Health Interview Survey.

At the same time, about 44 percent of U.S. households own a dog. On average, about 60 percent of those dog owners walk their pets regularly, which leaves a sizable population of dog non-exercisers. The opportunity is obvious: take your dog for a walk and benefit both yourself and your pooch.

Tips for a Mutually Beneficial Walking Experience

On the one hand, taking a dog for a jaunt through the neighborhood may seem (and usually is) straightforward. On the other hand, a few basics can make the exercise more beneficial and enjoyable for both humans and dogs. Below are some tips.

• Consider How Often - and How Long - to Walk

Start with about 30 minutes, perhaps five times per week. Add or subtract frequency and length as you observe your dog’s physical and emotional reaction. Young, active, high-energy dogs may need longer or more strenuous exercise; older dogs and couch-potato breeds (think English Bulldogs) may need shorter, less frequent sessions.

• Use the Right Gear

Usually, a sturdy leash about six feet long works best. Long retractable leashes can keep a dog from running away but make it harder to control larger and more energetic pooches. Martingale collars (limited-slip collars) are great for dogs whose necks are about the same size as their heads and can slip out of flat collars. But if the fit is too loose, your dog may be able to wiggle out and escape. This is especially true for dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets, whose heads are often smaller than their necks. Also, if your dog tends to tug on the leash when walking, a harness might be a better and more comfortable option.

• Let Your Dog Sniff

Unless you are training an animal to be a highly disciplined service dog, letting your pet sniff the world around her adds an essential dimension to your walks. A walk, after all, isn’t just exercise; it’s also an enrichment opportunity for your pet to experience interesting sights, sounds, and smells.

Beckett, a Mobility Service Dog, Enjoying the Beach

• Respond to the Weather

Large dogs with thick and dense coats, such as German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes, come with a permanent winter coat and don’t need protection from the cold. Other dogs, however, might need extra warmth. Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs, for example, don't generate and retain enough heat to be comfortable in the cold, and dogs like Pembroke Welsh Corgis, who are low to the ground, are also more affected by low temperatures. Dogs with lean bodies, like Greyhounds, and dogs with hair clipped, like Poodles, may also benefit from additional layers.

Pay close attention to ambient temperature, humidity, and sidewalk heat during the summer.

• For many dogs, outdoor activity at temperatures above 80° Fahrenheit can be dangerous.

• For others, even temperatures higher than 70° can be too hot.

• If the temperatures rise above 80°, keep your dog inside or in the shade and minimize exertion.

• If you can’t comfortably keep your hand on the sidewalk for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet! 

• Carry a water bottle to keep your furry friend hydrated.

• Use Walks to Reinforce Training

Take treats along and reward Princess when she heels well, greets other dogs civilly, and follows your “leave it” command when she finds someone’s dropped sandwich from yesterday. Dog training and reinforcement of command responses never really stops, and walks are a perfect opportunity to reinforce good behaviors.

The American Obesity Crisis

The obesity crisis in the U.S. is not limited to humans. Recent statistics classify most dogs in the U.S. – 56 percent – as overweight. Many humans and dogs need more exercise to help address their weight challenges.

Why not combine the effort and walk together? It’ll do you both good!

All Images Courtesy: MobilityDog.org.