All dogs share 99% of the wolf DNA just as all humans share 99% of the same DNA, which implies we are far more alike than we are different. The pet industry is a 150 billion dollar a year industry and pet acquisitions have increased especially during Covid as families adopted 23 million dogs during that pandemic. 49% of households have at least one dog as walking injuries have also increased 160% in that time frame and women with osteoporosis are most at risk for injuries. Hip and wrist injuries are the most common of reported sites of damage with 30% requiring hospitalization, remembering that a dog can pull 3 times its weight.
Just as in tree planting (the right tree in the right place) it is best of consider the right dog for the right situation considering the dog’s size, behavior and requirement for exercise and training.
Positive training helps to keep your pet safe, behave, have confidence, bond, have mental stimulation, socialize, acclimate and achieve their full potential.
There are many advantages for walking for both the two and four legged critters. It prevents obesity (50% of dogs are overweight) which can lead to diabetes, cancer, depression, dementia, chronic inflammation and arthritis. Walking curbs naughty behavior, lowers anxiety and boredom, maintains strong bones and joints and increases happiness with all of the sights, sounds and smells of the walking adventure.
And for the dog walker, there are also many positive take aways. Walking the dog lowers stress and blood pressure, increases energy, lowers the risk of stroke and diabetes, improves mobility and muscle bulk, improves brain health, manages weight, helps prevent cancer and boosts mood and confidence.
What to consider with dog walking:
- Identification for the dog and the owner
- Phone or medical alert (consider phone coverage)
- Route-is it isolated, many other dogs, sidewalks, traffic
- Collar vs harness
- Dog treats
- Pick up bag
- Reflective vest or coat and flashlight
- Consider the routine vs mixing up the walk route
- Dog time (dogs have hundreds of millions of smell receptors compared to 100 million in humans) so let the dog have “his time” as he contemplates the walk about
Other tips:
- Start slow with puppies-20 minutes maximum
- 2 minutes for leash training-take a break-play-repeat
- Use walks for training: heel, sit, stay
- Begin with routine- time of day and route
- Use treats for positive behavior
- Different breeds require different exercise plans
- Take water for you and your dog
- Consider the weather-hot or cold pavement
- Pet insurance, microchips options
- Get proper walking shoes
3 second rule for a dog meet up
- Allow 3 seconds for exploring and sniffing
- Tail wagging is a good sign
- Move away if a dog’s tail is straight
- Beware if dogs are staring at each other
- Keep your lead short but loose
- Look out if one dog’s head is above the other
- Watch for baring teeth, growling, snarling
- After 3 seconds, distract your dog and move away
Walking your dog has great benefits for you and your dog. Just as the right supplements have advantages for you both.
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