Get Into Walk Your Dog Month This January

Get Into Walk Your  Dog Month This January

January is Walk Your Dog Month. But if you have a dog, you already know you have to walk it every day, so what’s new? Well, it turns out Walk Your Dog Month is also a great way to get your own New Year off to a good start. Not only does your dog need a daily walk, but you should also reach the 10 000 steps a day! Want to know how? Here are a few ways to turn walking your dog from a chore into a treat.

Get the Walking Habit

Were you one of the thousands of us who made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or get fitter? The good news is, your dog can help you achieve this resolution. Walking your dog every day forces you to get into the habit of walking yourself. And research says that if you do something regularly for three weeks, it’s much more likely to become a habit, so by the time February comes, you’ll have got both yourself and your dog into a good place for the coming year.

Being outdoors is an excellent mental health tonic, especially at this time of year. Take the opportunity to de-stress, get some perspective and enjoy watching for the first signs of spring to appear.

Why Dogs Need Regular Walks

Like us, dogs can easily put on weight over Christmas with all the little treats we slip them and have less chance to get outside and exercise. Obesity can be a serious problem for dogs, causing a range of health problems, including arthritis and breathing difficulties. Lack of exercise can also cause behavioural problems, leaving dogs bored and under-stimulated. Getting your dog out for a good walk every day can really help with their general fitness and behaviour.

How to Make Walks Fun for You and Your Dog

If you and your dog both enjoy your daily walk, it’s much easier to make it a habit. These tips will help to keep things fun for both of you.

  • Your dog needs to know you’re in charge, so walk confidently and train them to walk beside or just behind you, not ahead, and without pulling on the leash. Reward good behaviour with treats.

  • Take a page out of your dog’s book and practise living in the moment, appreciating the sights, sounds, and scents around you as you walk.

  • Leave all your screens at home and enjoy a dose of real life. Walk with a friend and spend some quality time catching up in person. Walking a dog is also a great way to get to know other people in your neighbourhood and bond over dog stories.

  • Change your route occasionally to stop it from getting boring. Investigate new paths and explore your neighbourhood.

  • Dogs need to stay hydrated, even in cold weather, so give them plenty to drink before and after walks. On long walks, take a travel bowl and a bottle of water with you.

For all those little treats, toys, and extras that make taking care of your pet even more rewarding, visit our centre where you’ll find everything you need.

You might also be interested in:

15 Gardening Tips for December

Here are our top 15 gardening tips for December.

Read more...
Planting Hellebores for Winter Colour

Here's how and where to grow hellebores for winter colour.

Read more...
Water Saving Solutions for Your Garden

These water-saving solutions for your garden will help you to use less water while keeping your garden looking great.

Read more...
How to Avoid Snails in the Garden

We have found some ways that can really help avoid snails in the garden, so give these a try.

Read more...
Sign up to our newsletter!

Sign up to receive our special offers!

Click here to sign up!