Dog owners enjoy many benefits. Companionship and protection are only the tip of the iceberg. Having a dog also provides a reason to exercise every day. The benefits of walking a dog also include an improved mental state, an uplifted attitude, and a strengthened cardiovascular system. And these improvements aren’t just for dog owners! Just like their favorite humans, these dogs receive all the same benefits! 

Whether you already own a dog or you’re currently researching puppies for sale in Texas, this blog is for you. We’ll go over the full dog walking experience, ways to exercise your dog on the walk, and we’ve thrown in some dog walking facts for fun! 

DOG WALKING EXPERIENCE

The dog walking experience goes far beyond the implied exercise benefits. Dogs need to be taken out for their first walk of the day in the morning. Research shows that when people get direct sunlight first thing in the morning, their mood improves. This is because sunlight and sunshine on a person’s skin and eyes triggers the release of good mood chemicals in the brain. It also helps your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle. People who receive the rays of a dawning sun each morning, fall fast asleep at the end of the day when it’s time for bed!

Until you own a dog, it might be inconceivable that you would ever appreciate your furry friend forcing you out of bed in the morning. But trust us, you’re going to love it!

Fresh air and light exercise also improve brain chemistry, cardiovascular health, and overall mood. The great thing about owning a dog is that you can choose a dog breed that’s right for you. And the benefits of walking your dog will pour into your life! 

If you’re athletic and love to go for a jog in the morning or after work, the best dog breeds for joggers are Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Dalmatians. If you prefer a leisurely walk and would rather not go too far, the best dog breeds for homebodies are Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, French Bulldogs, Maltese, and Basset Hounds. What if you’re someone who typically splits the difference? You’re a cuddler at heart, but you enjoy the occasional speed walk outside. The best dog breeds for you include Italian Greyhounds, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The best way to sum up the dog walking experience is to say that there is a dog breed that mirrors your energy level and lifestyle. You just need to discover it! 

WAYS TO EXERCISE YOUR DOG

There are many ways to exercise your dog. Some exercise sessions with your puppy can involve you getting your heart rate up, too. And other exercises that you don’t even lift a finger to participate in will tire your dog out in no time. 

Before we look at ways to add additional exercise to your dog’s walk, let’s check out all of the ways for you and your dog to exercise outside together:

• Go for a run or jog that’s between 1 – 3 miles
• Go for a hike on a mountain or in a National Park
• Go for a long walk of 5 miles or between 1 – 1.5 hours
• Go for a swim with your dog in a lake or pool (only for “swimming” dog breeds!) 
• Lead your dog through an agility course by running beside him

Any of the above examples will provide you with heart healthy exercise, too. 

If you want to chill out while your puppy huffs and puffs, try these lazy ways to exercise your dog:

• Play a game of fetch
• Play tug-of-war with an appropriately sized dog toy
• Play hide and seek, and you hide
• Play hide and seek, but you hide treats
• Lead your dog through an agility course by shouting directional commands and encouragement from the sidelines

There could be times when your dog has way more energy than a straightforward walk will satisfy. But what if all you have in you is a walk? Here are some ways that you can keep your walking pace easy for yourself yet provide additional exercise for your dog. These are great because they provide mental exercise for your dog. It’s a little known fact that mental exercise will tire your dog out faster than physical exercise! Let’s take a look at how you can turn a dog walk into a challenge: 

• Incorporate fetch during the walk when it’s safe. Lengthen your dog’s leash and throw the ball vertically upwards. Your dog will have to watch the ball, get “under” it, and leap up vertically to get it!
• Bring a tug-of-war toy along and at key moments during the walk, play tug of war, especially whenever you want to stand still and rest your legs.
• If you live near a park that’s within walking distance, walk your dog to the park with a frisbee or tennis ball, then play a classic game of fetch at the park.
• Urban park benches, curbs, stairs, railings, and even bike racks that are common to cities can create an excellent urban agility course for your dog! You can even train and reward your dog for balancing on fire hydrants and for doing handstands against tree trunks. Just don’t forget to take photos!

DOG WALKING FACTS

Before we wrap up this article, Petland Texas wants to leave you with some fun, interesting dog walking facts you need to know. Here are even more reasons to get a puppy, and reap the benefits of walking your dog! 

Based on the research statistics, the following dog walking data was compiled:

• 64% of dog owners believe that dog walking is a personal reflection of their love and affection for their dogs.
• 95.5% of dog owners asked did indeed confirm that they see their dog as part of the family.
• 56% of dog owners would even greet their dog the moment they come back.

When it came to the motivations regarding dog walking, most dog owners claimed that dog walks made their dog feel:

• happier (70%)
• more energetic (46%)
• much more relaxed (41%)
• de-stressed (93%)

When owners walked their dogs and were complemented by others, the owners felt happier than:

• When eating chocolate (73.5%)
• They do after a day spent in bed (65.5%)
• When eating pizza (60%)
• They do after a great first date (56%)

Health facts about dog walking from Michigan State University concluded:

• Dog owners are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking in a week compared to non-dog owners.
• Dog owners walked 22 more minutes per day compared to non-owners on average.
• A dog owner has more motivation to walk due to them needing to keep their pet satisfied.
• Non-dog owners do not have such a motivation and instead will rely on more self-motivation in order to get themselves moving.

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE HOME A PUPPY?

Petland Texas has dogs for sale in Texas at our various Houston locations and in Tyler, TX. Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of walking your dog? Get your puppy from Petland Texas! We work with humane breeders. And everyone who takes home a Petland Texas puppy will receive 6 weeks of puppy training for free. This professional dog training program will not only teach you how to raise a puppy you can live with, but also ensure that your fur baby quickly becomes the perfect puppy.

Texas puppies for sale can be found in the available puppies section of this site. It’s important to discover the right dog breed for you and your family. Our pet counselors are experts at helping match people with their perfect puppies. Whether you’re looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale near you, Pugs for sale in Texas, or Yorkie ethical dog breeders near you, Petland Texas checks every box on your responsible dog owner checklist! We can’t wait to prove that to you!