{"id":204,"date":"2016-01-11T09:26:39","date_gmt":"2016-01-11T09:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tailsdogblog.com\/?p=204"},"modified":"2022-03-30T14:04:58","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T13:04:58","slug":"walking-the-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/walking-the-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking The Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting out for a walk with your dog is one of the benefits of dog ownership but sometimes in the dark, cold and wet winter months, it doesn\u2019t always feel like one! A study in Scotland last year (where it doesn\u2019t get much colder, wetter or darker in winter) found that dog owners were 12% more physically active than non dog-owning adults. Their activity level was found to be the equivalent of an adult 10 years younger, and they also had better health and physical functioning. It\u2019s well known that regular exercise can improve flexibility and bone strength as well as making you feel younger, and dog walking is something that fits perfectly into this regular exercise category.<\/span><\/p>\n

Walking the dog is also a great social activity, as it\u2019s surprising how many fellow dogs and their owners are out there at the same time each day, and once you\u2019ve got a few routine dog walks you\u2019ll find it becomes more and more enjoyable each time.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling a bit more adventurous then try looking online for dog walks \u2013 the AA and Natural Trust have several recommended ones listed as a start. If you are trying out a new walk then it\u2019s always worth letting someone at home know the general area of where you are going, as often these pockets of countryside are where phone signals fail. Having the relevant ordnance survey map can also be a good idea in case your walking directions are a bit out of date. Packing an emergency kit in your backpack might also help if you or your dog gets into difficulties. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course dog walking also benefits your dog. Getting out and about is what they love, although they will all have their individual preferences on length of walk and type (not all dogs love a cold swim). They also gain so much information about their environment and other dogs you meet. It\u2019s no wonder most like a good nap after the walk to process it all and recover.<\/span><\/p>\n

So next time you reach for the mac, wellies, high vis and dog to head out in the winter night, it\u2019s worth remembering that both of you will benefit, aside from justifying that second biscuit.<\/span><\/p>\n