Walk Your Dog Month 2020
January is Walk Your Dog Month, and Boulevard Bark is honoring the occasion, despite the wind, rain and snow that Bellingham has seen so far in 2020. Of course, for us, every day involves walking dogs, so it’s pretty easy for us to get in the spirit.
Have you fallen out of the dog-walking habit because of the cold weather? Maybe you need to start this habit up with your dog. Walking together is so good for your emotional bond with your dog–and it’s fantastic exercise for both of you. Even if you already walk your dog every day, there are plenty of ways to liven up your dog’s usual walk routine and make things more exciting for both of you. We hope you find the following tips useful, whether you’re just getting into the dog-walking habit, or have been in it for years.
Walk Your Dog Month: Tips for a Great Walk
1. Go the Right Distance
According to this article on the K9 of Mine blog, dogs’ exercise and fitness needs vary greatly based on age, breed, and overall health. The average, healthy adult dog probably needs somewhere between 30-120 minutes of exercise per day. Senior dogs and puppies will have different needs and again, these numbers see some variance based on your dog’s breed. So make sure you talk to your vet or do some research if you’re unsure of your dog’s needs and capabilities. You don’t want your dog to be restless from not getting enough exercise, or to become injured or fatigued from too much.
2. Be a Leader
To a professional dog walker, this one comes easily–but that may not be the case for you. For Walk Your Dog Month, try working on your attitude and demeanor while you’re walking dogs. Dogs respond best to someone who is confident and in charge–not mean or strict, but not a pushover. Show confidence in your posture and the way you hold the leash. Be the one in charge. Your dog should trust that you are focused and secure, that you know where you’re going, and that you’re in control. Don’t let your dog walk in front of you–right by your side is perfect. Reward good behaviors with small treats, and consider using a sturdy harness if your dog pulls too much.
3. Be Prepared
Always make sure you have the following when you’re out walking your dog: poop bags (don’t get stuck without one … that’s just the worst); treats (even if you don’t plan on giving your pup treats during the course of your walk, you may find yourself needing to distract him/her, and a treat often does the trick); water for you and your dog (and possibly a collapsible water bowl for your dog to drink from), and a flashlight or headlamp if it’s anywhere close to dark.
4. This Walk Your Dog Month, Change Up Your Route
Dogs love routines, it’s true, and there’s nothing wrong with walking a particular route every day. However, it can be truly enriching for your dog if you change things up now and again. Walking around a different block gives your dog the chance to see new things and smell new smells, and provides a ton of mental stimulation–which makes for a mentally healthy dog.
5. Too Busy for Regular Walks? Hire a Dog Walker!
Of course, we can’t help but remind you that if you just can’t fit in the amount of exercise that your dog needs to be happy and comfortable, there are resources for you. One of the best options is to contact us about scheduling some daily leashed walks for your dog. Wouldn’t it be awesome to come home from work to a happy, fulfilled, and enriched pooch? We think so, too.
