Tomorrow is the first Don’t Walk Your Dog Day in the country, and Nikki French has explained how skipping your regular walk can benefit your pet in a variety of ways.
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Most dog owners believe that taking their canine companions for a daily walk will help them stay healthy and fit.
Niki French, a 53-year-old professional trainer, disagrees with this, calling it an antiquated and out-of-date practice.
In order to promote canine wellbeing, the best-selling author of STOP Walking Your Dog is urging pet owners to swap out their usual 30-minute hike for a more stimulating activity.
Read more: North East animal shelters are most in need of love and care for their elderly and disabled animals.
Niki told The Mirror: “Traditional walks are a human invention and aren’t helpful for many of our dogs. This might come as a surprise.
“Replacing walk time with at-home training games can help the dogs develop the skills they need to live peaceful, contented lives. “.
On Saturday, April 2, Niki will launch her first Don’t Walk Your Dog Day to spread the message that “not all dogs thrive on daily walks.”
Contrary to popular belief, she added, dogs with behavior issues can become more agitated or aggressive when we try to exhaust them through excessive exercise.
Bodie, a two-year-old rescue dog that resides with Niki, is “noticeably calmer” as a result of fewer walks and more enrichment activities.
More and more of my clients have nervous or reactive dogs, and I’ve shown them all the wonderful things you can do at home to help dogs develop the skills they need to be content on walks, she said.
“Skipping some walks can relieve stress for both owners and dogs alike.” It’s time to try something new when more than half of your walks with the dog are stressful for you or the dog. “.
There are numerous benefits for owners who skip a walk. For instance, the dog may be in danger if it is too hot or cold outside.
A walk might not be the best activity for sick dogs and new puppies who haven’t received their vaccinations.
Playing games with our dogs at home is a great way to develop the skills they require and strengthen our bond with them, according to Niki.
Niki, who has always loved animals, started training dogs three years ago.
She emphasizes games that provide positive reinforcement and enrichment, such as digging in sandpits, using cardboard boxes as playthings, using lick mats, and playing hide-and-seek.
“Its good to have other things in your toolkit. All dogs are affected by this, and surprisingly, breeds that require a lot of exercise may benefit the most from it, according to Niki.
Leaving the house for a short walk with reactive or anxious dogs can be frightening and stressful.
Niki said, “I want these people to know that they aren’t alone and that we aren’t judging them.
Tomorrow is National Don’t Walk Your Dog Day; if you want to participate, post about it online using the hashtag #don’twalkyourdog. For more information, visit https://go. puptalk. co. uk/awareness-day.
What’s My Motivation?The problem is that dogs sometimes need as much motivation as we do toexercise. I think most of us would agree that it’s more fun to
You’re not failing as a pet owner if you miss a walk — just be sure your dog is getting the attention and exercise he needs on a regular basis.
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How often should you walk your dog?
There are four factors to consider when figuring out how often you should walk your dog, according to PetMD.
When it comes to dogs, each breed has its own style of care. Some may need to be walked just once a day while others need up to three walks, according to the American Kennel Club.
Certain sporting and working dogs, like golden retrievers or doberman pinschers, need lots of daily activity and exercise. Toy breeds, like pekingese, are much calmer, according to the AKC.
According to PetMD, younger dogs will have more energy than their more senior counterparts, just like humans. This means younger dogs may need more walks. According to PetMD, puppies under 4 years old are also more likely than older dogs to play.
In addition, older dogs may have health issues like diabetes or arthritis. According to PetMD, these may contribute to them having less stamina and being less motivated to exercise and take walks.
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There are many reasons owners might benefit from skipping a walk. For example, if the weather is too hot or cold, it can be dangerous to the dog.
Get your weekly dose of dog news, pictures, and stories by subscribing to our TeamDogs newsletter.
Read more: North East animal shelters are most in need of love and care for their elderly and disabled animals.
Bodie, a two-year-old rescue dog that resides with Niki, is “noticeably calmer” as a result of fewer walks and more enrichment activities.
Playing games with our dogs at home is a great way to develop the skills they require and strengthen our bond with them, according to Niki.
FAQ
Is it OK not to walk your dog everyday?
The majority of dogs adore them, and they can make a wonderful addition to our day. Having said that, going for a walk each day is not required. Many dog owners believe that skipping their dogs’ daily walks is a sign of failure. In actuality, your dog usually has nothing to worry about, and occasionally, they need it the most.
How often should a dog be walked?
A healthy dog can benefit from a daily 15 to 30 minute walk. Most breeds may need routine walks several times per day. Dogs in good health can also take pleasure in lengthy walks of up to two hours. Some will even go on a short hike with their owners.
How many days a week should I walk my dog?
According to PetMD, it is advised to walk your dog for between 10 and 15 minutes, two to three times per week. However, PetMD advises 10 to 15 minutes of exercise at home as a substitute for a walk outside if this is not possible for your schedule.
Is walking your dog everyday good?
A great way to keep your dog healthy and active is to take him for a daily walk. Maintaining a healthy weight can lower your dog’s risk of developing a number of health issues, including diabetes, liver disease, and hypertension. And walking your dog every day is one of the simplest ways to keep them in shape.