At one time or other we've all heard that dogs need to be taken for walks.  But how many of us really understand the reasons why it's important?  Ask anyone you know and a large percentage of people might tell you that walking your dog is just to provide him exercise.  Yes, exercise is important, but that's only part of it.  

1. Provides an outlet for their energy.  Dogs build up a certain amount of energy every day that needs to be expended.  If it doesn't happen through walking, it will often result in bad, destructive behavior or separation anxiety.  You may have heard that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog, and also, a bored dog can become a bad dog.  A good walk can also significantly calm a hyper or energetic dog.
2. Walking aids greatly in training your dog.  Draining energy results in a calmer, satisfied and more submissive dog who is much more likely to focus on you and your training.  The walk itself should be a time of training.  Done correctly, it can reinforce the bond between you and your dog and will help to establish you as the pack leader.  Remember that you should be in control and walking your dog, not him in control and walking you.  See future articles for tips on training your dog to walk properly on a loose leash. 
3. Fulfills his natural roaming and exploring instincts.  In nature dogs walk as a pack and roam for miles every day searching for food and water.  Even though your dog is not a wild dog, walking is still in their natural instinct.  Dogs are working, thinking animals that need a purpose beyond just sitting or sleeping all day long.  Walking provides a sense of direction and accomplishment.  Regular walks can help prevent her desire to run away or bolt out the door in an attempt to fulfill that roaming instinct.
4. Provides both physical and mental stimulation.  Exploring their surroundings with their senses is also an instinctual activity for dogs.  During the course of a walk your dog will be exposed to all sorts of smells, sights and sounds.  This also acts as a mental workout for the brain.
5. Provides much needed social interaction.  Socialization is an important part of any dog's life, especially in their early years.  When walking you will most likely encounter other people, children and other dogs.  This will help to build her confidence and social skills.  Dogs who are not walked can become more fearful and shy, or might lack the necessary social skills to interact with people and other dogs.
6. Provides exposure to a wide variety of "worldly" things, creating a more confident and stable dog.  A dog who is walked often will become more comfortable around all sorts of things such as bicycles, skateboards, traffic noises, loud trucks, mailmen, etc.  Dogs without this exposure can become fearful, skittish and territorial, seeing every strange sound, vehicle or person as a threat.  Many dogs who bark constantly are barking out of fear of everything they hear or see that is strange to them.  If you walk the same route regularly, it can also possibly assist your dog in finding his way home if he gets out of your yard and lost.
7. If you own other dogs, walking them together will help them to bond with each other as a pack and prevent behavior problems between them.
8. Dogs are social beings that crave our attention - walking with them provides your attention and interaction with them.
9. Regular walking can lengthen and improve the quality of life for your dog.
10. And best of all you will have a walking buddy and a reason yourself to get out, get moving, enjoy the fresh air and get yourself healthy and fit!

1) Attmu Retractable Extendable Belt Cord Pet Dog Leash, Supports up to 90 Pounds, 16 Feet Long I love this leash for the fact of it being retractable AND affordable. Similar leashes run the same price line or more expensive, but I find are poorly made. This one is made rather well and seems rather durable - at least for our medium sized dog, Scooby. Of course, the leash does say it`s good for up to 90lbs of dog. Our dog requires no special needs, just a regular mixed mutt dog and the leash works well on her. The leash extends up to 16 feet providing lots of walking room for her. If I need to shorten her leash I can do so by pressing a small button on top the plastic holder of the leash. So adjusting the leash is easy as well. When I`m ready to adjust the leash again I can just press the other button and let her run the full leash length or adjust the length as needed. I find this easy to hold and get a grip on. Even my almost 7-year-old daughter can handle the leash which is great. After all, Scooby is HER dog specifically so she`s able to walk her dog without any issues.  

2) Attmu Silicone Bicycle Cycling Front Rear Lamp, 7 LED Bike Light Set, White and Red, Set of 2 I know these are intended to use for your bicycle use, but these are actually great for walking your dog at night as well (or any other outdoor activities as night to be honest). This is a 2 piece set that includes a White headlight with 7 white LEDs and red taillight with 7 red LEDs with 3 modes: constant, flashing and strobe. Well if you`re walking your dog you can actually attach the white taillight to your leash to help light the way if need be. I know, crazy idea, but it does work! Basically anywhere you can strap them around then you can use them. As far as putting them on the bike as intended, they fit perfectly for that too. These are lightweight and a simple design but work really well.   They each offer 50 Hours of runtime and runs on 3 AAA batteries for each light. Unfortunately, these batteries are NOT included so be sure to have some on hand or get them prior to using these. The unit is encased in silicone. To remove the case simply pull it away from the bottom catch and then pull it away from the area with the light strip and ease over the device. The lights are definitely quite bright so you will be noticeable by other motorists on the road or other people in general. Like I said, it also helps when walking at night to have that extra little bit of light as well.

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