How many of you dog owners have shut your doors on the sad eyes of your pups every time you left the house, promising that you’ll walk your dogs “tomorrow.” When “tomorrow” finally comes, how many of you have again, given the lame excuse that you are either too busy or are simply too lazy to walk the poor fellas? There is new research that may help to change your lazy attitudes.
Every time you refuse to walk your dogs, you are seriously putting your dogs’ health at risk. According to sizetheleash.com, exercising your dogs is important for their mental health because by instinct, dogs are walkers/travelers. When we walk our dogs, we release their mental and physical energy. A lack of exercise allows for the buildup of mental energy, which contributes to behavioral problems such as hyper activity, neurotic or obsessive compulsive behaviors, and more.
All these behavioral problems can be prevented, simply with exercise! A dog that is walked will have less excess energy to cause any trouble at home. More importantly, walking your dogs can also help to boost your own health! According to research conducted at Michigan State University, dog walkers had higher overall levels of both moderate and vigorous physical activity, and were also more likely to take part in other leisure-time physical activities such as sports. On average, they also exercised about 30 minutes a week more than those who did not have dogs.
With the beautiful weather out, it is brutal to keep your dogs locked up at home. Our dogs deserve a nice treat, something better than just walking around your neighborhoods. How about a nice doggy surprise at a dog park? At a dog park, you can allow your dogs to get the fullest exercise and playtime off the leash. Knoxville Parks and Recreation offers more than 45 miles of greenways and more than 80 parks for you to enjoy with your dogs! For instance, at the Dogwood Park, there is a puppy playground, dog water foundations, and more that will provide the best workout environment for your dogs. So the next time you are feeling lazy, just remember: a healthy, happy dog, makes a healthy, happy owner!
