5 Tips to Add Zing to Your Daily Dog Walk Routine
Provided by P&G Everyday Solutions
With spring in the air, both you and your dog are probably spending a lot more time
outdoors than you were in the middle of winter. But if your dog walk has become
routine, why not use this burst of fresh air and energy to spice up your pup's daily
stroll?
Perhaps you picked your path because it was just the right distance, or maybe you
loved how the sunset looked through the trees as you passed by Main Street, but
now, for some reason, it's just not the same.
Try taking a doggie detour, and check out these simple steps for putting some spring
back into both your steps:
- If possible, try reversing the route. For example, if you always turn left as you
exit the house, try turning right. Take the same route as always, just start from
a different direction.
- Do a time switch. So you and Gunther head out for a half-hour walk at 7 a.m. every
day before work. What about also taking a stroll at 7 p.m. after work? It just might
be the change you need to keep you and your dog excited about walk time.
- Everyone knows a dog needs exercise, but it doesn't always have to be in the form
of a leashed walk. Try taking your dog to the park to play Frisbee®. Your dog
will get much-needed exercise and you'll also get to spend time playing outside.
- Call a friend and walk your dogs together once or twice a week. Not only will this
provide you with someone to talk to, but it will also provide your pooch with some
canine companionship.
- Check out more than one neighborhood park. You might discover — as many dog
lovers have — that a nearby park has an incredibly established "doggie social
group" that meets twice a day. While the dogs play, the owners chat.
What's in a Walk?
Walking your furry friend meets many of his needs — from social interaction
to exercise. And beyond his needs, you can use this time to practice obedience skills
and prevent behavioral problems, both important abilities to master — and
the earlier the better. According to the experts at Iams®, no matter what the
breed, exercise combined with a balanced diet can improve muscle tone, keep joints
supple, help organs function and prevent your dog from gaining weight.
