Taking your dog for a walk is one of the best things you can do for your companion. Not only does it benefit your dog in a bunch of ways, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Dogs love routine, and you might wonder what the best routine would be for taking your pet around the block. While there aren’t too many hard and fast rules, here are some things to consider.
When figuring out how early you should walk your dog, the earlier, the better. There is less foot traffic and fewer cars on the road, making it safer and more relaxing. In the warmer months, it is best practice to walk your dog in the early mornings when the temperatures are still cool.
Your dog is always ready to walk. Getting them up early for a walk isn’t the hard part. If you’re anything like me, getting yourself out of bed early is probably more difficult. With a good, solid routine in place for walking, you can have a happier, healthier, and less stressed pooch. In this article, we will take a look at why early mornings are the best time to walk your dog.
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What Time Should I Walk My Dog?
As the leader of your own little pack, it is a good idea to try to stick to walking around the same time every day. Dogs thrive on structure and routine. They are pack animals after all, so that means they get a lot of joy out of falling in line and doing as the pack does.
The best time to walk your dog is in the early morning. The earlier, the better. If you can stomach the thought of getting up as the sun rises, that’s great, and your dog will love you for it.
If not at dawn, shoot for a time in the morning before the temperatures start to climb. Going out while the day is fresh and new will definitely excite your pooch and make the walk easy and relaxing without having to dodge all of the hustle and bustle of the later morning.
Why Morning Walks Are the Best Walks
If you have any doubts about whether or not the morning is the best time for dog walking, you can take my word for it. Even if you aren’t a morning person, I guarantee you, your dog is. Here are some reasons why morning walks are the best walks.
- The Temperature Is Just Right: Especially during the summer, it is important to go on walks when the day is still cool. Hot sidewalks can hurt a dog’s footpads, and the hot temperature can be hard on some breeds.
- You Can Walk For Longer: When you and your dog aren’t suffering in the heat, you can stay out on your walk a lot longer. An adult dog is going to benefit the most from a walk of around 30 – 60 minutes. With later day temps and traffic, this might be difficult.
- Dogs Will Burn More Calories: It is important for a dog to get proper amounts of exercise to keep them from getting chunky. Longer walks = one fit pup.
- They Will Be Less Bored: A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise can act up, especially in breeds that tend to be more energetic. Dogs that don’t get proper exercise can take out their frustration in destructive or harmful ways. Utilizing that pent up energy is a dog’s favorite thing.
- Mornings Are Better For Training: Younger dogs and energetic breeds can be a handful when learning to walk on the leash, especially if there are dozens of other dogs and people on the sidewalks. Walking in the morning allows you and dog to focus and build those skills that are going to help them become the best dog they can be.
- Better For Exploring: Dogs love to walk because they love to explore. In the early mornings, there’s more to explore. You and your dog have more access to those busy parts of the parks, trails, and neighborhoods when the world is still asleep.
- There Are Better Sights To See: I love walking my dog in the morning because there is more to see. You will probably see more wildlife. Exciting for you, exciting for a dog.
How To Start A Morning Walk Routine.
Lucky for you, once you get into the swing of things, you might find your dog waking you up in the morning for their walk. With their internal clock, they always know when it’s walkie time.
For dogs, consistency is paramount in developing a respectful relationship between animal and owner. Starting any new routine can be a challenge, so here are some quick and easy pointers to help you get started.
- Should They Eat Breakfast? If your dog is used to eating breakfast first thing in the morning, you may need to change things up.Have them eat after your walk. This is what I recommend, as it lets you get out of the door as easily and as quickly as possible. And, it will really get their appetite up for when you get home.
- Leave The Coffee For Afterwards: The less you have to juggle while holding onto the leash, the better. Leave the coffee mug, the emails, that video your friend just sent, at home. The less distracted you are during the walk, the more you and your dog will enjoy the walk.
- Have Everything Ready: Set up a station somewhere, preferably near the door, so that getting yourself and the pooch ready is quick and easy. Once your dog gets wind that the walk is happening, it can be overwhelming to get yourself and them ready. So, get the leash, poo bags, training treats, harness, etc.… all ready in the same place
- Schedule Properly: Try to leave yourself enough time so that you’re not scurrying back in a hurry to get started on your day. Quick Tip – Start the coffee pot before you head out so that it is ready when you get back. Reward yourself for managing your time well.
- Utilize The Fanny Pack: This a very specific tip, but hear me out. It allows you to always have extra poo bags, carry your phone, keys, and training treats without having to manage your outfit. Summer shorts with no pockets? No problem. My dog knows that when I strap on my fanny pack, it is time for fun.
- Think Of It As An Investment: Giving your dog proper exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time with their dog mom or dog dad is one of the best things you can do for your pet. A healthier dog is less stressed and is less likely to damage your home and your things. They are also less likely to develop health problems that require trips to the vet.
Figuring Out the Right Dog Walking Schedule for You
So you’ve set the alarm, you’ve got your walking supplies ready to go and your fanny pack is loaded up with a fresh roll of poo bags. You’ve made the right choice. Rising with the sun and getting right outside is the most beneficial time to get outside.
Owning a dog comes with a lot more questions than answers. Walking them every day, in the morning, and making a routine out of it can go a long way towards alleviating some problems that a lot of dog owners face. Your dog will thank you.