Dog behavior is sometimes a result of our behavior when interacting with the dog. In addition to his basic requirements of food, water and shelter, a dog needs social interaction, positive attention from his human companion, physical activity and mental stimulation. Many of these attendant requirements can be met by merely taking your dog for a walk. Walking your dog every day provides him with the attention from you that he needs. Possibly more than anything else, our dogs simply want our companionship. Even if you stay at home throughout the day, much of your time is spent doing chores rather than interacting with your family pet. When leaving for your walk, take along a plastic bag or another container and be sure to pick up after your dog.
A walk permits you to practice obedience skills with your dog to increase the reliability of training. Practicing the fundamental commands in addition increases the advantages of a walk as your dog is not simply ambling along, but is also performing further tasks. Walking your dog provides mental stimulation through territorial inspection. With nose to the ground and attentive to the sights and sounds of his environment, your dog collects information about how his territory has changed since the last walk.
Together with the emotional advantages, there are tangible benefits. Walking your dog is the best method to exercise a dog that may not move about much in your home or even in your yard. Senior dogs must be kept as lively and fit as possible. However, your dog may not be inclined to exercise without your encouragement. Even if your pet is active in your yard, it is certainly more active during a walk. Merely having the pleasure of your company is one of your dog’s greatest motivations to exercise.
If you encounter another dog or person along the way, your dog has the opportunity to socialize. Studies of dog behavior show that dogs are social animals. It’s natural for them to investigate unrecognized individuals. Puppies should be encouraged, from a young age, to appropriately greet and get along with other dogs and people while away from home. These enjoyable encounters help the puppy learn to behave well when meeting visitors to your home, or when he is with you anywhere else. If a dog does not have to socialize, it will not understand how to interact properly with other people or dogs.
Taking your dog for a walk is among the the simplest ways to avert behavior problems. At least one walk each day will help avoid elimination issues, destructiveness, separation anxiety and similar common behavior disorders. Take your dog for a walk soon after each meal, since this can be the time it’s most likely to urinate or defecate, and you’ll be able to direct your dog to an appropriate spot. Praise must be given immediately to be effective. If you simply let your dog go out in the yard, you forfeit an opportunity to strengthen good behavior.
Allowing your dog to stray freely is hazardous both to your dog and to other pets and people. It also gives the unsupervised dog freedom to revert to unacceptable wild behavior. Your dog’s life may depend on his obedience to your commands. Not permitting inappropriate activity can’t be viewed as unkind in view of the possible consequences.