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The first full week of October brings one of dog owners' favorite events - National Walk Your Dog Week! Occurring from October 2nd through 8th this year, this annual celebration promotes the benefits of walking your dog and strengthening the bond between pet owners and their four-legged friends.
The Origins of National Walk Your Dog Week
National Walk Your Dog Week was founded in 2010 by Pet Sitters International to remind pet owners about the importance of regular exercise and quality time with their dogs. It is estimated that over 40% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, in large part due to lack of sufficient physical activity. Regular walks are crucial to keeping dogs at a healthy weight while also stimulating their minds with new sights and smells.
Beyond physical activity, walking plays an invaluable role in fortifying the relationship between you and your pup. Author John Grogan perhaps put it best: "That is the true purpose of walks for dogs – for us to learn their language, so we can better meet their needs." National Walk Your Dog Week represents an opportunity for pet owners to recommit to daily walks with their dogs.
The Benefits of Walking Your Dog
Walking your dog provides benefits for both parties. For dogs, a daily walk helps meet exercise needs that keep weight under control and provide mental stimulation. Researchers have found that exercise and mental work releases dopamine and serotonin in dogs' brains, inducing positive feelings. Beyond physical and mental health advantages, going for regular walks helps reinforce on-leash training and appropriate socialization skills with other dogs or people you encounter on your route.
At the same time, dog owners reap numerous health perks from walking their canine companions. One University of Missouri study discovered that dog walkers were 54% more likely to get recommended levels of physical activity. Other analysis shows dog owners have lower blood pressure, higher levels of fitness and better mental health compared to non-dog owners. Walking your pup may just help add years to your life!
Ideas to Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week
To properly observe this national holiday for you and your pooch, here are some ideas to make your time together extra fun and rewarding:
- Vary your usual route or explore a new neighborhood trail
- Invite friends along for a group dog walk
- Take photos of your dog along the way and share using #WalkYourDogWeek
- Bring waste bags and pick up litter while out with your pup
- Time how long it takes to walk set distances each day
- Have kids make a craft project with materials found on your walk - like "paw paintings"
- Track your walking routes via an app and challenge yourself
As the sayings go, walk this way and walk the walk with your dog! From leisurely strolls through the park to more adventurous hikes, make more time to move your paws during National Walk Your Dog Week. The increased physical and emotional benefits will extend beyond the October holiday for both you and your favorite furry companion.
Get the Whole Family Involved
National Walk Your Dog Week presents the perfect opportunity to get kids and other family members involved in exercising your dog. Children can take pride in helping to walk or train the family pet, which provides lessons in responsibility and caring for others. Schedule family dog walks each day of the holiday week or make a weekend hiking adventure of it!
When everyone participates together, it strengthens bonds across generations and species. Be sure to capture the memorable moments with pictures to look back on. Most importantly, by working together to give your dog adequate activity, the whole family will reap rewards like improved health, behavior and relationships.
