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One of the most enjoyable activities for the owner and the dog is walking together during the day. Walking releases energy, stretches and strengthens joints. These walks are effective for dogs of all ages. This is the best sport for your pet. But not only for him! Walking the dog will help you too (calorizer)! Walking with your pet, you actively move and burn calories, train the muscles of the whole body, and especially the muscles of the heart, and you are in the fresh air. To make the walk useful for you and your dog, here are some recommendations from veterinarians.
How long does it take to walk the dog?
Every dog needs daily walks, three a day is enough. Reducing their number to two, in the morning and in the evening, can lead to kidney and urinary system problems. You don’t have to walk too long every time. In bad weather, the duration can be reduced to 15-20 minutes. However, at least once a day, dogs are advised to take a long walk. Young and energetic animals require longer distances than older animals because they move faster. If your pet is in poor physical shape, to begin with, it will be enough for him to walk no more than 20 minutes a day. You should start slowly, do not increase the speed until you feel that the pet can handle it without much difficulty.
Usually all dogs love to walk. If your pet is a stay-at-home, he is reluctant to leave his favorite rug, then he needs to be interested in something. Take toys with you, organize outdoor games. You can find friends for your pet so that he can “chat” and frolic with them. Outside, you can also teach your pet to teach different teams.
Features of the walk depending on the breed
Different types of dog are suitable for different types of exercise and physical activity. For some people (for example, Pekingese), calm walks are more suitable. For others (for example, Dobermans), jumping, running and all kinds of active games are suitable.
Here’s an example of such a game. It is called “The Hunt for Escaping Prey”. Almost all dogs love to hunt moving objects. Although they do not always bring the find to the owner. As prey, you can use a tennis ball, a ball, a toy mouse. This object should be large and preferably round so that the animal cannot swallow it or get hurt.
Large dogs like the St. Bernard are more fond of quiet walks, trotting, or quiet games. The best places for walking dogs are parks and squares. But only in areas specially designed for walking. It is not allowed to walk dogs near playgrounds and kindergartens (schools, kindergartens). In summer, it is good to take your pet out into the countryside, dogs are very fond of running in the fresh air, swimming in the water.
Dog walking rules:
- Large and aggressive dogs must be muzzled for walks! Absolutely all dogs that walk in the area of residential buildings or parks must be led on a leash.
- Every decent owner should have a shovel or a special bag with him to clean up after his pet.
- Your dog should know and follow the main commands: “Come to me!”, “Stop!”, “Fu!” or “You can’t!”
More details about the rules of walking are written in the law on keeping and walking dogs in your city, and there are also places where it is allowed to walk pets.
Walking the dog at different times of the year
There are seasonal recommendations for walking pets. In winter, be sure to make sure that your pet does not overcool. Do not let him wallow in the snow, bark loudly in the cold. If the ground is covered with ice, we advise you to wear special shoes for your pet, as otherwise it can freeze its paws. You yourself also need to remember to dress for a walk in the weather, so as not to catch a cold, but at the same time, count on the fact that you will actively move and do not wrap yourself up too much.
In the heat of summer, keep in mind that long walks in the sun can be exhausting for both you and your pet. Take with you 2 bottles of water for yourself and for the dog, because in the heat, you must definitely drink water.
For animals, a daily walk is a kind of fitness. So why don’t you go in for sports with your pet, and time will not pass in vain and the benefits are obvious! During this time, you can get the necessary and useful physical activity, ventilate your lungs, and stretch your muscles. For the walk to be of maximum benefit, it must be regular and moderate (calorizator). Such walks with your pet can become your hobby, which will benefit both your pet and yourself. After all, fresh air has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the whole organism as a whole. They can replace workouts in the gym, help to cope with the problem of excess weight, and cheer up.