Do you sometimes feel taking your dog for a walk is more of a chore than an enjoyment? I did, but the funny thing is once I get out there and start walking with my girl, I almost immediately have an attitude adjustment and start to get a little pep in my step and enjoy my time with her. I find myself talking to her about what the day is going to hold, telling her how cute she is, stopping with her to look at a plant or flower, and just enjoying nature.
After a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and go for another walk, but I’ve gotten to the point now where I look forward to that, as well. By heading out with my girl, I get to talk to her about my day and it just seems to make all the stress of the day go away. There is no way to be in a bad mood when you are spending time with your furry family members! One look from that sweet face and the world is a better place!
Not only is walking your dog a great stress reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also helps to keep both you and your dog healthy. It’s a great way for them to burn off some energy and help with joint health, especially if they just tend to lay around all day while you’re at work. I know my girl comes running to the front door when I get home and can’t wait to get out there and go, go, go! Our time out walking is exercise for her and for me, and what’s great is it doesn’t really feel like I’m exercising.
We usually walk for 30 minutes every morning and every afternoon, which means I’m getting an average of an hour of exercise every day and she is too, which is a good thing as she is a big fan of treats, and I haven’t mastered the art of saying no to her!
Perhaps the greatest benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is the one-on-one time you have with it. My dog is learning to trust me more when I say, “it’s okay, I got ya” when she sees a bigger dog, or a loud car or truck goes by and spooks her. I love when we’re walking and she’s ahead of me and stops and looks back at me to make sure I’m there and then we continue. It’s almost like she’s saying, “Come on Mom, let’s do this together.”
Taking your dog for walks every day offers the opportunity for both of you to continue to bond because you get to spend time together, which helps create a strong and happy relationship.
It’s fun to watch her explore new things she sees or smells, and I sometimes chuckle at her curiosity, especially when she’s looking at something and then looks up at me almost as if to say, “What’s this?” She’s made me try to look at the world with the same curiosity as she has, and it’s made me think about even the simplest things a little differently. Who knew walking your dog could do so much?
September and October are beautiful months to be outside. The weather is great, it’s a little cooler and the colors nature provides us are incredible. It’s the perfect time to go out and have a tail waggin’ good time with your four-legged friends. Prescott, and all of Northern Arizona, offer so many great hiking trails and outdoor venues you can visit while spending time with your animals.
Speaking of being outside and walking with your animals, Yavapai Humane Society will be doing our Walk for the Animals this year at Dogtoberfest! We are so excited to partner with Cherie and Prescott Dog for this great event! Not only do you get a great walk with your pups, but you can also enjoy all the fun of Dogtoberfest when you’re done with the walk!
There’s going to be great booths to visit, dogs to adopt, cute things to buy, freebies, education sessions, contests, great food, and entertainment. It’s a day you won’t want to miss! We’re looking forward to it and you being a part of it! Save the date: Sunday, October 2nd. The Walk for the Animals will start at 9:30! For more information and to register, visit:
Everyone at Yavapai Humane Society thanks you for your continued support of what we do here every day and our mission to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of companion animals. We are committed to ensuring every companion animal in our community has a great home and is well cared for all of its life.
