![]() ![]() The sustained movement plus the novel vegetation that invariably contain the smells of other dogs’ eliminations will quickly prompt your dog to urinate and defecate.” Walking Your Dog for Maximum Benefits “Also, if you’re in a hurry to make sure your dog is ‘empty’ before heading out for a few hours, walking is by far the best option for encouraging the dog to empty his bladder and bowels. Some dogs prefer the familiarity of a backyard, but still need the exposure that leash walking provides, while others quickly become bored and thrive when walked, says Dr. “Exercise is an important component of every well-rounded dog’s life, but young, high-energy dogs, for example, will likely require more walks (or runs) than low-energy or geriatric dogs.” The right balance of yard and walk time is unique to every pet, family, home environment, neighborhood and lifestyle, says Dr. ![]() “It’s no fun walking a dog that pulls on leash or zigzags back and forth all over the place, so you’ll be motivated to work on training your dog to be more mannerly while on leash.” Finding the Right Balance Between the Backyard and Walking Your Dog Leash walking requires you to be with your dog, providing an opportunity to strengthen your bond, says Dr. ![]() They become comfortable with motorcycles and bicycles zipping by, kids on skateboards, and just about anything else you can imagine!” “They see, and perhaps even get to meet, unfamiliar adults, children, dogs and other pets. Walking your dog on a dog leash also plays an important role in developing her social skills, she adds. Sniff walks (allowing the dog to set the pace and stop and sniff whenever she likes) are particularly gratifying to dogs.” Reid agrees: “Walks are great for providing the mental stimulation that comes from visiting places outside of the familiar backyard. “Dogs are, by nature, curious explorers, so going on a walk or hike is a great way to let them explore,” says Fiendish.ĭr. What Walks Provide That Backyards Don’tĪside from the physical health benefits, dog walking provides opportunities for enrichment, socialization and training that a backyard may not. You should also microchip your pet, as many animals get out through small holes or by digging under fences. Reid.īe sure that you have a secure, fenced yard so that animals cannot escape. “The backyard is the safest option to let the dog run full tilt and burn off some steam, so both activities should be incorporated into a happy dog’s lifestyle,” says Dr. While walking your dog does provide them with exercise, a fenced-in backyard can, too. As a result, “They can become less confident and comfortable with new people, pets and experiences that they aren’t exposed to on a regular basis.” Ari Zabell, a Vancouver, Washington-based veterinarian with Banfield Pet Hospital. If solely kept in enclosed spaces, they can also become sheltered, says Dr. It is also common for many backyard dogs to begin showing territorial behaviors like barking, rushing at the fence and running the fence when people or other dogs pass by,” says Jenn Fiendish, a veterinary behavior technician who runs Happy Power Behavior and Training in Portland, Oregon. “It is not uncommon for these dogs to become bored and frustrated, which can lead to destructive behaviors, barking, repetitive behaviors (like perimeter circling, and even escape attempts. ![]() Relying solely on the backyard for your dog’s exercise can lead to problems. “Most dogs enjoy seeing different things, smelling new smells, feeling novel substrates under their feet and hearing unfamiliar sounds.” Pam Reid, a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) and vice president of the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team. Letting your dog run around in the backyard is a beneficial supplement to walking your dog. Learn how to balance the backyard with the sidewalk to make sure your pup gets the exercise and bonding time she needs. Walking your dog, however, is associated with a myriad of physical and mental benefits, which contributes to your dog’s well-being. It’s also a great way for her to get fresh air and exercise in a safe environment. Letting your dog use your fenced-in backyard for potty breaks and exercise is convenient, especially when life gets hectic. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |