If you own a dog, it’s recommended that you walk him regularly. According to experts, there are plenty of benefits that come with it. Some of these benefits include:
Benefits of walking him
Bond strengthening: Since you will be alone with him you have quality time together. Experts report that this time is important in forming a deep and trusting relationship with your dog. The time that you spend together with him also plays a vital role in the development of the behavior.
Weight control: Just like humans, dogs are bound to gain plenty of weight when they lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you live in an apartment four-legged friend has little space to exercise; therefore, it gains weight. During the walk, he burns calories thus bringing about weight loss.
Better mental well-being: If you regularly exercise you can bear witness that you feel much better after the exercise. This is because your body releases hormones that improve your mental well-being. This is the same case with your dog. When the dog exercises he feels better about himself thus becoming a better companion.
More exposure: When you walk him you expose him to new people, experiences, and settings. This helps him to learn new things which are crucial for growth.
Decrease loneliness: If you live alone it means that your friend spends most of his time alone. Just like humans, dogs are social beings. When you are walking him you give him company which aids in getting rid of loneliness.
Longer life: Since dogs that exercise are fitter and healthier, they tend to live longer. Since they have longer lives you enjoy the company of your dog for a longer time.
How to walk him
While many people know that they need to walk their dogs, studies show that few dog owners know how to properly do it. To help you out, here are tips on how to properly walk him:
Always keep him on a leash: When he is on a leash you have full control of him and you are the one who dictates the walk-not the dog. The best way of holding the leash is wrapping it around your hand until there is little space between you and him.
Treat him: It’s always recommended that you train your dog during the walk. Some of the training that you can expose him to include: walking, sitting and when to pull on the leash. When he behaves the way that you want you should reward him with his favorite treat.
Make the walk comfortable: There is no way that he will enjoy the walk if it’s uncomfortable. You should ensure that the leash is made from a comfortable material. Also, ensure that you apply comfortable pressure on him The time that you walk him determines how comfortable the dog will be. For peace of mind avoid walking him at noon as it might be too hot for him.