The Health Benefits of Walking Dogs

By: Kelli Rascoe / Updated June 15, 2023

There are so many health benefits of walking dogs that are positive both for you and your furry friend. Whether you’re a professional dog walker or simply like to keep your pet healthy with adequate exercise, the importance of dog walking has emotional, mental, and physical health benefits for all. We sat down with the Trupanion pet program team to learn more about the health benefits of walking dogs and how it can create a one-of-a-kind experience with your furry friends.

10 Health benefits of walking dogs

1. Bonding experience

The human-pet bond is such a unique relationship. When you take the time to get out and walk your best mate, it’s a time to bond and experience a new environment. Naturally, this may be a chance to explore, adventure, and see something new which fun for you and your furry friend.

2. No screen time

With so much day-to-day activity in front of a screen, a mental break is needed and gives your pup a chance to stretch its legs. The lack of screens also gives you the chance to focus on what is important during the walk. There’s value in being connected, including safety while on your walk. However, only using your phone on walks unless absolutely necessary, like to take a cute selfie with your pup!

3. Emotional connection

Taking the time to experience the outside world with your pups without distractions can create an emotional connection and a bond with your best friend. Also, the dedicated time and shared activity builds trust within your relationship and provides one-on-one playtime.

4. 100% focus

The health benefits of walking dogs provide the opportunity for 100% focus for you and your pups. For instance, if you’re in an unfamiliar area, like a new hiking trail, you can focus 100% on your pet’s well-being and safety. In addition, the dog walk can be used to focus on new training opportunities. In a distracted world, focus is something we can all improve on.

5. Mental stimulation

One of the best health benefits of walking dogs provides is the versatile amount of mental stimulation for dogs. New experiences that take place beyond your front door or your backyard provide mental stimulation for your pup. For example, a walk to a nearby park is filled with new scenery, smells, and obstacles to explore.

6. Fresh air and exercise

There’s nothing quite like getting outside and getting moving with your pets. Exercise and fresh air have a physical health benefit, as well as an emotional benefit. Consider starting with short walks and keep track of how you and your pup feel after each walk. Every walk can be a new adventure and a new opportunity to get moving to new places. Push yourself and your best friend for longer walk times and keep finding new places to explore.

7. Training opportunity

Your dog walk could be used as a training opportunity. If you have a new puppy, one of the main health benefits of walking dogs for you might be the opportunity to work on basic leash and behavioral skills. If you find your dog is being particularly leash-reactive, this extra time may give you the opportunity to retrain. Walks can also give you an opportunity to focus on hand signals and commands with lights.

8. Track and measure success

Creating new goals and becoming your best selves can be an exciting new adventure for you and your pet. By jumpstarting this health journey with your furry friends, you can start small goals, track and measure your success with your daily walks. After all, you have a workout partner that will always be with you every step of the way.

9. Keep tabs on pup’s health

One of the most important health benefits of walking dogs is the opportunity to help keep tabs on your pup’s health. By walking your furry friends each day, you may spot a new behavior or something abnormal. Consider keeping a journal to track any unusual findings so you can follow up with your veterinarian with any concerns.

10. Ability to study your pup in a versatile environment

Every new environment is a clean slate for your puppy, and every new environment could spark new behaviors. By taking the opportunity to walk your pup, you can study any new behaviors or reactivity to different environments. Every walk provides a new learning opportunity.

Bring the entire family on dog walks

From a hiking adventure to an afternoon family stroll, the health benefits of walking dogs can help provide emotional, physical, and mental stimulation for the entire family. It can help provide connection, bonding, and versatile training environments that may provide rich fulfillment for your furry friends.

Check out more  ways to exercise with your dog.