Dog behavior is often a consequence of our behavior when interacting with the dog. In addition to his basic requirements of food, water and shelter, a dog must have social dealings, positive attention from his human companion, physical activity and mental stimulation. Quite a few of these attendant  requirements  can be met by simply taking your dog for a walk. Walking your dog on a daily basis gives him the attention from you that he needs. Possibly more than anything else, our dogs simply want our company. Even if you stay at home throughout the day, much of your time is spent doing chores instead of interacting with your family pet. When leaving for your walk, take along a plastic bag or similar container and be certain to clean up after your dog.

A walk permits you to reinforce obedience skills with your dog to improve the consistency of training. Reviewing the essential commands also will increase the benefits of a walk because your dog isn’t simply ambling along, but is also performing extra tasks. Taking your dog for a walk keeps him mentally alert through local examination. With nose to the ground and attentive to the sights and sounds of his environment, your dog gathers information about how his territory has been altered since the last walk.

Together with the emotional advantages, there are physical benefits. Walking your dog is the most effective way to exercise a dog that may not move about much in your home or even in your yard. Older dogs should be kept as limber and fit as possible. However, he may not be disposed to exercise without your motivation. Whether or not your pet is active in your yard, it’s certainly more active during a walk. Merely having the pleasure of your company is one of your dog’s greatest motivations to exercise.

If you meet another dog or person during your walk, your dog has the opportunity to socialize. Studies of dog behavior show that dogs are social animals. It is only natural for them to investigate new individuals. Puppies should be encouraged, from a young age, to appropriately meet and interact with other dogs and people while on walks. These positive experiences help the puppy learn to behave appropriately when meeting visitors to your home, or when the dog is with you no matter where you might be. If a dog does not have the opportunity to socialize, it will not understand how to interact appropriately with other people or dogs.

Walking your dog is among the the most effective ways to avert behavior issues. At least one walk each day will help avert elimination issues, destructiveness, separation anxiety and similar frequent behavior disorders. Walk your dog soon after each meal, as this can be the time it is most likely to urinate or defecate, and you’ll be able to direct your dog to an acceptable spot. Praise must be given promptly to be effective. If you merely let your dog go out in the yard, you forfeit an opportunity to bolster good behavior.

Permitting your pooch to roam freely is dangerous both to your dog and to other pets and people. It also gives the unsupervised dog freedom to regress to unacceptable wild behavior. Your dog’s life might depend on his obedience to your commands. Restricting some activity can’t be viewed as unkind when considering the possible consequences.