Wolves are the ancestors of dogs and the first thing a wolf pack does in the morning is go for a walk. Ok, maybe they’ll stretch a bit first, and it’s really not so much a walk as it is a wander with a purpose. The point is that dogs have the need to walk deep in their DNA. This ranges from the largest Mastiffs to the smallest Chihuahuas and everything in between. And yes, this means your precious Skittles need a daily walk too. Beyond the ancient yearning, there are plenty of modern reasons to get off the couch and go bowling at least once a day.
Do it for their health… and yours
Unless you’re a hermit living in a cave, you’ve heard that Americans are not only overweight, but also obese. Well, unfortunately, we have passed the bad behaviors on to our dogs. The dogs are now tipping the scales and, in some cases, breaking them. Just like you, for optimal health, Skittles need some exercise. Sure, you can play lazily with her in the living room or backyard, but a walk is great for both of you. If you switch from walking with her rarely to walking with her every day, you’ll be amazed at the change you’ll see in her and in yourself.
keep her at bay
Do you ever come home to find that Skittles has dug through the bathroom trash can to shred every tissue you used to blow your nose? Scoop out the most disgusting rotten food from the kitchen trash or bite the leg off the dining room table? These undesirable behaviors can often be reduced or eliminated altogether with a walk (a little training doesn’t hurt). Skittles is bored and has more energy than he knows what to do with. While a person who has a lot of energy can find something constructive to do, all Skittles knows how to do is destroy. If you’re not walking her, she starts. If he’s walking you only once a day, add a second walk and watch his nasty clothes disappear.
Give him Mental Stimulation
People tend to forget that dogs get bored too, especially the more intelligent breeds. The smarter the dog, the worse the destruction he can create when he is bored. Going back to the ancestral wolves, they roam for much of the day to find food, patrol their territory, and sniff out intruders. All this is a constant intellectual stimulation. Wolves use their noses, ears, and eyes and stay alert all day out of necessity. Little Skittles may not need to patrol or find food, but without the need he has a mental gap. What is she going to do with all those brains and nothing to think about?
A walk is more than just a way to drain your energy and tire you out too much to get fat or destructive. Skittles need mental stimulation and on a walk he gets it. Like wolves, it primarily uses its nose, but also its eyes and ears to observe its surroundings and what it perceives to be its territory. There are all kinds of toys and treats you can buy him to keep Skittles busy around the house. But there is no substitute for an invigorating walk.
Now that you know how important walking is to your friend, it’s time to go out with him. She starts with a reasonable route and lengthens it as you both get fitter. Change it up day by day to keep her interested. If she doesn’t walk well on a leash, see a trainer to learn some tricks to improve her walking behavior.