October 2, 2008
If your dog is getting antsy, anxious or destructive, there’s one thing that can help more than any toy, training device, music CD or drugs: go for a walk. A 30-minute walk every day cures most dogs of most vices within a few weeks. Dogs are meant to roam. A house or a yard are confining to them. Letting a dog out in the yard does nothing to cure his “cabin fever.” You know how you feel when you’ve been in the house with the flu for three days? You need to get out. You need fresh air, sunshine, a change of scene, somewhere to go. So does your dog. So if you see him/her becoming restless, barking more, getting into things he/she shouldn’t, chewing up you bedspread, digging and being more aggressive toward others, start walking. You’ll be surprised what it does to not only burn off excess energy, but strengthen your relationship with the dog.
A walk will also focus your high-energy dog before attempting any task such as training, putting medication on, traveling in a car, etc.
Entry Filed under: Miscellany. Tags: anxiety, barking, chewing, digging, dog, energy, excited, train, walk.
1.
Jeff - Pet Drugs | February 12, 2009 at 8:19 pm
I read this article couple months ago but didn’t leave a comment at that time. I was having hart time with my newly adopted Lab. He was a little over a year when I got him but you know how labs are. They just don’t grow up but I think it was lack of walking too. Its been almost a month and half since I start taking him out when I go for jogging. He loves it and and now he’s not all that crazy when I come back home. I hope I can come home early so that I can take him on evening was as well
I do appreciate the article. Thank you.
2.
Tommy | February 23, 2009 at 2:17 pm
A good walk is always great for a dog and even greater for a dog owner.
cheers
3.
Dog Bedding Info | February 25, 2009 at 10:16 pm
It’s easy to skip out on walks during the winter. I know I’m not too keen about walking in freezing cold weather. But when there are decent days, do both you and your pooch a favor and take a stroll!
4.
Black Labradors | March 22, 2009 at 10:15 pm
We have two Jack Russell and life is GOOD after giving the dogs a walk. They get a little CrAzY when we don’t let them blow some energy.
5.
Types Of Dogs | March 23, 2009 at 9:33 am
We know how much our dogs love walks! The word ‘Walkies’ is outlawed due to the commotion caused at the very mention of the word. We have to pronounce it letter by letter or use a substitute word.
Walking them is great for them AND keeps us fit!
6.
dog nail grinder | March 24, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Walking the dog is one of the best parts of the day. It’s a nice stress reliever for the owner and great energy release for the dog. Smaller dogs need to walk to. Sometimes running around in the backyard isn’t enough for smaller dogs.
7.
dog bedding | April 1, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I have noticed some good behavioral changes in my dogs since getting them on a routine of walking. It is still hard to take them everyday, but they love it. I was one of those that believed the backyard was enough, but it clearly isn’t.
8.
Doggone Boutique | April 6, 2009 at 7:41 pm
I have had my lab/hound mix since she was 8 weeks old. I learned the benefits of a long walk (and daycare on days I have to work late) very early on. She is a much calmer dog when she gets regular exercise. She has never been much of a chewer, but if she doesn’t get a walk for a couple of days she just bounces around (literaly – she bounces on the couches, the bed, runs up and down the stairs like a crazy dog). I can see that she is much happier and relaxed when she gets her daily walk. It’s not fair for them to be cooped up in a house for days at a time…I know I would go nuts.
9.
Daniel | May 13, 2009 at 9:50 pm
So true. Walking your dog in the morning and at night assures that he will sleep nicely and will not wake you up early in the morning. Sometimes walk is not enough, maybe some running at the park can also help or rollerblading. It is also good for us humans so it’s a win-win situation!
10.
Diana | July 21, 2009 at 4:19 pm
My dog likes to be carried on walks. Any suggestions on how I can get him to walk instead?
11.
Mark | August 4, 2009 at 11:03 am
Isn’t that what Cesar Milan says too? I wish I could take my Chihuahua running with me, but I am afraid he would fall down because his legs are so short
12.
Any Dog Breed | August 5, 2009 at 12:09 am
I wish walking was easier, my dog always tries to yank my arm off when I walk him.
13.
German Rottweiler breeders | August 18, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Taking time out everyday to walk your dog is essential for the well being of both owner and pet, and it’s simply great!
Alex,
Vom Bullenfeld German Rottweilers
14.
john | August 30, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Yes, taking your dog out for walk is a natural way to heal the dog of boredom and anxiety inherent in dogs. I know this from personal experience with my dog. Dog loves it and get refreshed and each time.
Thank you for the artilcle
15.
mr ong | September 28, 2009 at 6:55 am
Yes, good idea. and thank’s your information. and there are natural way to make healthy dogs and their owners. thank’s
16.
Small Dog Training | October 9, 2009 at 3:53 am
Generally dog parks, while they’re great for socializing, and potentially physical exhaustion, serve to actually create more stress in our dogs. Your dog(s) will get a lot more out of 20 minutes of tug/fetchtug/pushing than they will out of 1 hour at the dog park, in terms of stress relief and EMOTIONAL exhaustion.
17.
Anavi | October 14, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Certain breeds like the Jack Russel Terrier do need some vigorous exercise, since they are hyper-active by nature. Nevertheless, all dogs, specially the large breeds should be walked regularly.