The benefits of dog walking (for you and your pooch)

If you're a pet parent, a pet sitter, or have simply spent *any* time around a dog, then you won't need us to tell you just how amazing they are, and how they can make us (and pretty much anyone else in their vicinity) happier just by being around them.

But did you know there are actually some real physical and mental well-being benefits of dog walking? It's true: walking your four-legged friend is about much more than potty breaks and getting your daily steps in (although that’s important, too). From improved mental and physical health to creating a stronger bond with your furry BFF, the benefits of walking your dog are endless - for both you and your four-legged friend! So, without further ado, let’s dive on into them, shall we?

Benefits of dog walking - for humans

1. It helps keep your body healthy... 

Studies have shown that dog owners walk more on average than non-dog owners, and are more likely to meet their daily exercise needs - proving that pooches don’t just make us happier, they make us healthier, too! 

Daily walks with your four-legged friend can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and can help to prevent obesity and certain health conditions, such as type-2 diabetes. Regular walking (with your pooch in tow, naturally) can also help to promote strong muscle, bone, and joint health, and can help to prevent conditions such as osteoporosis. It can also improve circulation, promote healthy digestion, and boost your immune system. Who knew? A dog walk a day - it could well keep the doctor away!

2. ...and your mind healthy, too

There's no denying that a long walk, fluffy friend in tow, is an instant mood booster. But more than that, daily walks can improve our mental health, releasing natural endorphins that can help decrease our stress levels and help us feel calmer, happier, and more content overall. Additionally, the benefits of walking your dog at night can include improved sleep come bedtime. 

Ever locked eyes with fellow dog walkers, or given a knowing ‘nod’ to a fellow pet parent? It’s no coincidence: pets bring us closer together, and some studies have even shown that dogs can help their owners to make new social connections and fend off loneliness. Dogs: truly, we don't deserve you.

3. Improved cardiovascular fitness 

While the emotional benefits of owning a dog are (almost) endless, did you know that the benefits of being a dog walker can extend to your cardiovascular system, too? 

Daily walkies with your furry BFF can lead to better overall fitness levels and improved cardiovascular health, so much so that some studies have shown that owning a pet may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and could even help us live longer! Proving once and for all that dogs don’t simply warm our hearts… they may actually make them healthier, too!

4. It creates a bond with your dog

As if all the above benefits of walking your dog weren’t enough… it can be a great bonding experience for you and your pooch! (Honestly, we think that’s reason enough to grab the leash and head on out). 

Spending one on one time with your pooch is essential, and can help to strengthen and deepen the emotional connection you have with Fido. It can also help to make your dog less lonely and deter barking, whining, and other attention-seeking or destructive behaviors.

Benefits of dog walking - for pooches

1. It’s good for socialization and training

Socialization in puppyhood is the key to a happy, healthy pooch, and exposing your dog to different places, people, and situations early on in life can help reduce the chances of them developing anxiety-related issues later down the line.

Regular walks are a great way to help your pooch fine-tune their social skills and meet new people (and pets) along the way. Not to mention, a walk is a perfect time to practice all those new skills and training techniques, from the basics (such as 'sit' and 'stay') to mastering their recall skills! 

2. It helps your dog stay healthy

Dog walking isn’t just a great mind, body, and soul workout for us humans - it’s great for your dog’s health and well-being, too! The main health benefits of walking a dog include improved fitness levels and a lower risk of obesity in dogs. It can also help to keep common doggy joint conditions, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, at bay, and can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and other potential health conditions.

As we know, dogs love their routine and often like to "go potty" on schedule. Regular walking (around the same time each day) can help to maintain healthy digestive and urinary health, keeping things like constipation or bladder infections at bay. 

Every pooch will benefit from regular walkies, but how often do you walk a dog? Well, it can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours per day, depending on factors such as your pup’s age, breed, size, and general bill of health. If you have an elderly dog or one with a medical condition, be sure to check with your vet first for advice on what’s best for your furry friend. 

3. It can make your pooch less stressed and anxious

Nobody likes to think about their pooch feeling anxious, but unfortunately, dogs can experience anxiety - according to one study, up to 72.5% of dogs may show signs of mild to severe anxiety during their lifetime. 

Depending on the root of your pooch’s anxiety, this can often be made worse when they are stuck indoors or left on their own for long periods of time. A daily adventure - be it a trip to the doggy park or a stroll around the neighborhood - can enhance your pup’s emotional health, help them to release excess energy, and as an added bonus, can even help them to sleep better at night. 

If you’re planning a vacation or you’re going to be away for a few nights, rest assured your pooch’s walking schedule and routine needn’t suffer. With a loving in-home pet sitter from the TrustedHousesitters community, your pooch will get all the TLC they need.

4. It’s great for their mental wellbeing

There's no doubt that sharing your life with a four-legged friend has endless well-being benefits for us humans (apparently, just looking at your furry friend can be enough to cause a spike in oxytocin levels!) But did you know the feeling is mutual? 

One shake of the leash is all you need to know how much your dog loves their walkies, but why do dogs like walks? Well, firstly, they get to spend time with their favorite human - that's you! Yes, dog walking can strengthen the bond between you both, while also helping to build up your pup’s confidence in the world around them. Dog walking also gives your pooch some much-needed mental stimulation, which can help to prevent boredom and keep destructive behaviors at bay.

Healthy mind, healthy pooch, as the saying (sort of) goes.

How to make your dog happy

Regular walkies and quality time spent with their favorite human? That’s bound to get your dog’s tail wagging either way. Discover 5 more ways to make your dog happy right here.