Some of us consider December the best time of the year – it’s summer, we get to take a break from work and the outdoors is calling! And best of all, we can enjoy all of this with our dogs. Animaltalk checked in with veterinarian Dr Jaco Jacobs, who provided us with some valuable tips on why taking a walk with your dog is good for you, and how to ensure you and your dog’s walks are safe and happy.
- If you work long hours and leave your dog home alone, it is a good idea to take him for a walk every day to prevent frustration and boredom.
- Familiarise your dog with the neighbourhood so that he can get to know where all the different sounds and smells come from during the day while he is locked up behind your walls. That way he knows his neighbourhood and does not get stressed by unknown noises and animal sounds.
- Walking your dog helps him relax and get rid of bottled-up energy.
- Taking a walk is a good training and bonding experience for you and your dog.
- The exercise is good for both of you, and will cause proper muscle development and blood flow as well as strengthen bone structure.
- Walking makes you and your dog happy, as it causes the release of the happy hormone serotonin in the brain.
Dogs need the stimulation of the outside world. - Hunting and working breeds like Collies and Pointers (and many others) need to be exercised properly and longer than most other breeds, otherwise frustration will set in and they will start with phobias or destructive behaviour, resulting in a lot of negative damage.
- Catch more dog walking tips in the December 2016 issue of Animaltalk.
