Consequences of Not Walking Your Dog: A Concerning Look

First and foremost, the wellbeing and balanced development of dogs hinge on three key elements: exercise, discipline, and affection. Among these, exercise is paramount.

The Significance of Walking Your Dog

Dogs, descended from wolves, are natural hunters, and for these canines, going out for a walk is akin to hunting and patrolling their territory—a primal instinct deeply ingrained within them. As long as they can fulfill this daily duty, dogs feel a sense of accomplishment and find their lives meaningful.

For them, it's a task assigned by the "alpha," and without it, they might start to ponder the meaning of their existence, wondering, "If the alpha doesn't assign me a patrol duty, what is the purpose of my life?" This sense of emptiness can lead to anxiety, which manifests in behaviors like destroying items at home, biting hands, chasing their tails, and defecating anywhere.

After all, dogs don't have TVs, smartphones, or shopping to distract them from their loneliness.

Walking the dog is the most positive way to channel their energy. When they wake up full of vigor, a walk that combines hunting and patrolling, followed by a satisfying breakfast at home, allows dogs to rest contentedly, sometimes for more than six hours. Today, let's delve into the consequences of not walking your dog to highlight the necessity of this daily routine.

1. Frequent Destruction of Property

Walking your dog is essential for releasing excess energy. Without this outlet, dogs may destructively tear apart your home, destroying items in their wake.

If you don't want your house to suffer this fate, I suggest you stop slacking off and take your dog out for a short walk each day.

2. Barking That Disturbs Neighbors

When dogs are confined indoors and not allowed to go out, they may bark to express their discontent, causing disturbances to neighbors and potentially leading to trouble for the owner. Regular exercise can help reduce these barking episodes.

3. OutofControl Excitement

After a long period of being indoors, dogs may become overly curious and energetic upon their first outing, running wild and potentially pulling on their owners. Establishing a regular walking routine can help manage this excitement.

4. Reluctance to Return Home

If dogs are rarely taken out for walks, they may not want to come back home when they do go out. Some dogs might even show their frustration by acting out. Therefore, pet owners should take their dogs out more often to help them become accustomed to staying at home and not resisting the return.

5. Decreasing Physical Fitness

It's wellknown that dogs that do not receive regular exercise may become increasingly frail and susceptible to illness. Their bones can become brittle due to lack of exercise. Regular walks are not just for the dog's health but also for their wellbeing.

6. Increased Risk of Depression

Without regular walks, dogs may become depressed, which is detrimental to their mental and physical health. Dogs that spend too much time indoors can become more depressed and have a lower level of socialization. They may become overly sensitive and timid, making them harder to train. Therefore, taking your dog out more often can help improve their temperament.

7. Dull and Lackluster Coat

Dogs that do not venture outside often may have increasingly poor health, reflected in their dull and lackluster coat. Without exposure to sunlight, their fur growth slows, and the quality of their hair diminishes, as sunlight aids in the absorption of calcium and vitamin D.

How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?

On average, dogs should be walked 23 times a day. However, with many pet owners being busy professionals, this can be challenging. At the very least, dogs should be walked once a day, with each walk lasting at least 30 minutes. If time is limited, even a short walk is better than none. Ideally, walks should be scheduled in the morning and evening.