How Walking Our Dog(s) Helps Us

Photo: Chris Reynolds

There are many benefits to walking your dog for dogs. Many people fail to realize how it will help them as well.

Here's what I've learned from walking three dogs continually:

1. It unites you with nature. Because walking brings you down to a certain speed, you get to hear the birds singing, flowers blooming and seeing the wildlife around you. Nature has an effect of calming and tends to lift our moods.
2. It gives you time to sort out your thoughts. Many times, we are on a solid routine of work, downtime, sleep. While this is ideal for most of us, being out with your dog gives you time to destress and organize your thoughts. You may rush through a walk sometimes, but even on days like those, you know it's going to help your dog.
3. It lowers the bad (ldl) cholesterol and raises the good (hdl). Continuous walking will keep your cholesterol levels steady.
4. It keeps your blood pressure down. High blood pressure is a key factor in accelerating heart disease. Walking will help to combat this.
5. It improves bone density. Postmenopausal women who walk about one mile each day have higher bone density than women who walk shorter distances. It also is effective in slowing the rate of bone loss from the legs.
6. It helps keep your brain sharp. Walking is known to increase brain function and keep cognitive thinking higher.
7. It helps people to live longer. In a 1998 study in the New England Journal of Medicinenon-smoking men between the ages of 45 and 68 who walked each day 1 mile or less, the mortality rate was 43.1 in 100. On the other hand, men who walked 2 miles or more, in the same period of time had a mortality rate of 21.5 per 100. That's quite a difference
8. It reduces your carbon footprint. Walking causes no pollution compared to driving in your car. Even with picking up after your dog, it will leave a much smaller footprint in comparison to driving frequently
9. Minimal equipment is required. When you're walking your dog, all that's needed is a good leash, a pooper scooper and a good pair of walking shoes. No special gadgets are needed (although pedometers are helpful).
10. It makes your pooch happy. When dogs are given something to do like walking, it eliminates their excess energy. They sleep better and have a more structured routine. It keeps them in shape and helps them to live a longer life.

Get Started!

It's simple to get started. Even if you can't do long walks, doing 3 10 minute walks a day is just as beneficial as walking 1 30 minute walk a day. A useful guide to how your neighborhood rates for walking is WalkScore.com.

Let's Discuss!

How does walking your dog benefit you?

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4 Things I've Learned From Dog Walking

Every job we do, we learn certain lessons. Dog walking has taught me quite a few. I feel that these can be applied to all aspects of our life.

1. Don't Force Affection.
Every dog is different. Some are very fearful of meeting new people or feel as if you are invading their territory. So many times when we meet a dog, we try to reach out to them to extend our friendship but a dog can see that as a threat. It's always best to let them sniff you because they use their nose the way humans use their eyes. Avoid eye contact until the dog is comfortable with you.
2. Be Patient
Patience is a virtue, and this is especially so with a dog. All dogs are react to situations in their own way. Some dogs have had traumatic or isolated pasts and in many cases, patience will go a long way. There are times I am walking Homer and he will fixate on a certain scent. Giving him a few extra moments to sniff is the difference between taking him home or chasing after him because he slipped out of his collar.
3. Appreciate The Little Things
So many times, we adhere to a strict schedule and get in a tizzy if anything goes awry. Dogs tend to roll with it. If they are walked 15 minutes later than usual, nothing major happens. Sometimes, all that a dog needs is to chase a squirrel or meet another dog. It's good to remind ourselves that the little things make the difference between an ok day and a great day.
4. Your Energy Will Increase
Doing dog walking on a regular basis has given me more endurance than I used to have. I always walked my own dogs at least two times a day. Add in five more walks a day and you notice the difference. You have to deal with unpredictable weather but the extra energy and endorphins are worth it.

Let's Discuss!

What valuable life lessons have you learned from your favorite job?

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