21/02/2014 found by Natasha M kindly supporting PetzGo
WHY DOGS LOVE SO MUCH GOING FOR WALKS
when Alex takes me for walks I feel very grateful and excited as I have lots of time with him to discuss ideas and projects and just to chat... I understand we people adore going for walk (especially Russians) and this happens for different reasons: fresh air, ions, cosmic energy recharging, exchange of ideas or just meditating. for us it is usually connecting back to nature where we belong.
But why dogs love it? every time i just slightly touched Penny's leash she would start jumping like mad... May be dogs also love receiving the energy from the sky and earth and they like to chat (but in their own way: by leaving messages under the trees)... Let's check what random internet says:
- If the instincts are playing any role at all (which we all know they do when a house dog takes a bone outside to bury-- even if it is a milk bone and a lot of dogs turn in circles before lying down, another instinct) then the reason they get all excited is that your home is his den and going for the walk portrays a hunt and a border patrol.
Most wild animals mark their territories regularly and your dog takes this opportunity to refresh his own business cards. If your dog has a prey drive, he may be on the lookout for dangerous cats and squirrels that may need to be eliminated from his domain.
You can liken it to how you feel after a hard week of work or school and you get home Friday night and you just can't wait to get out and socialize. That is where your dog is at. It's just that his life is so much shorter than ours is, that he needs to socialize what seems more often to us but in a rapid dog's life, the ends of our day is like an eternity for him.
- hink about how much exercise a dog requires, and how much they actually get. A lot of our dogs were bred from working dogs who spent all day running and doing actual work, and now lay around in front of the couch while we watch tv. They want to go out, walk, run, play, and more importantly inspect every telephone pole within a 4 mile radius to see if another dog had peed on it.
- Dogs get excited to go out for their walk because to them it like going out for the hunt. That is why it is important for the owner to show them they are alpha because if the dog walks in front of you or pulls you it is showing them they are the pack leader of the hunt.
Let's check out what the experts say...
The History Of Dogs & Humans Humans domesticated dogs tens of thousands of years ago to assist them with work, security and hunting, as well as to provide companionship. As today's pets, dogs' natural tendency to remain active remains, and so they jump (sometimes literally) at the opportunity to get the exercise and mental stimulation that a walk provides. In addition, dogs are social animals; for a dog, a walk means more time to spend with his best friend and pack leader—you.
Benefits For Your Pet Dogs get excited to walk because they know instinctively that it's good for them. Walking your dog helps him stay healthy, provides a chance for him to explore and promotes a sense of bonding between you and your pet.
Walking will help keep your dog in good physical shape, keeping off those unwanted pounds, increasing limberness and flexibility, and reducing digestive problems.
Giving your dog a chance to see the wider world provides him with a mental health boost, too. Covering fresh ground on a walk lets your dog investigate new and interesting sights, smells and sounds. And the exercise helps boost natural hormone levels that reduce stress and promote his mental well being. A regular exercise program will help reduce unwanted behavior problems, such as hyperactivity, jumping up on people, destructive chewing and excessive barking.
In addition, spending time with your pet helps him to feel a sense of social order and structure and to feel comfortable with you as a leader. Regular walks can help fearful, anxious or overly submissive dogs develop trust in you as the owner and confidence in unfamiliar situations. And walking often provides your pet with chances to meet and socialize with other humans and dogs.
For owners of sporting or hunting dogs, walking can help keep dogs in shape for the hunting season and promote the human-animal bond to aid in training and fieldwork.
Dog Walking Recommendations
The recommended length and intensity of a walk can vary greatly. Most dogs benefit from a 30-minute walk each day, depending on breed, past activity level, age, and any health problems, as well as on weather conditions. For healthy dogs getting started in a walking program, start slow at 10 minutes a day and work your way up. Highly active breeds may need additional exercise—such as fetching, swimming or running—in addition to a 30-minute daily walk.
Be sure to vary your routes and the areas where you walk your dog to give them new things to explore.
Remember that letting your dog out in a fenced-in backyard does not substitute for a walk. Dogs need the time to spend with you, both for social reasons and as a motivating factor to make sure they are getting the exercise they need.
Pet Equipment Leashes come in many different sizes, materials and colors. Chain leashes tend to be heavy; still, they can be a good option for dogs that tend to bite at the leash. Nylon leashes can cause "rope burn" if they are pulled quickly through your hand, but they are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and durable.
An extendable, or retractable dog leash gives your pet extra room to explore, although these types of leads may be better suited for areas away from traffic and other dangers. Retractable leashes also are not recommended for dogs that tend to pull; keep frequent pullers on a 4-6 foot leash, perhaps in combination with a head halter. Some dog owners prefer a Sport Dog 100-Yard Wireless Training Collar, which can work if you're training your dog to walk on or off a leash.
Pair your pet's leash up with the proper collar. A collar should be sturdy enough to match your dog's size and strength. It should also fit snug enough so that it doesn't slip over his head but at the same time doesn't choke him. A good rule of thumb: You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. Precautions When Walking Your Dog Exercise caution while exercising your pet. Follow these tips to keep your dog safe while out on an excursion.
Bundle up. Short-haired dogs may need a sweater when the temperature drops below 45 degrees. Limit the length of your walks when the temperature drops below freezing.
Cold weather foot care. Rock salt used to melt ice on roads can irritate your dog's paws. In snowy or icy conditions, wash your dog's feet when you get home, and don't let him lick the salt off his paws, which can irritate his stomach. For comfort and protection, consider fitting out your dog with a set of booties for walks in the snow. You can also purchase balms for your dog's paws that can be beneficial in both cold and hot weather. Keep the hair between your pet's toes short to minimize the amount of ice and snow that his paws collect.
Beat the heat. Bring water along on long walks and on hot days, and avoid walking for long periods when the weather is hot. Remember that dogs cannot cool themselves off as efficiently as humans can, and dogs with short muzzles can struggle even more in the heat. Use caution and take it easy whenever the temperature climbs above 85 degrees.
Ready To Roam?For more information on gear to get you ready for your next dog walk, call or come in to your local Southern States store. And if you have some dog-walking tips or tricks, or products that you would recommend, share your story in the comments section below.
We use only PetzGo equipment and accessories for our dog due to their health benefits and durability Penny would do anything - even pose for cameras in exchange of the off-leash walks: