sandiegopets

Part of the reason I decided to get a dog was so it would give me some motivation to get out and walk more. And it has.

Walking is therapeutic both for people and animals. I always start to feel sluggish in the afternoon and in the past, I wouldn’t have done anything about it. Now, it’s become walk time. It doesn’t take a long walk either. Just walking around the block will get the blood moving and wake you up.

The mental benefits are important too. Walking gives you time to reflect. I work at home and sometimes it’s hard to feel motivated. A walk with my dog gets me out in the air and sometimes that’s all I need to clear my mind and finish whatever project I’m working on.

And, of course, there are the benefits for your dog. Like people, they can get bored in the same surroundings day after day. This is why most dogs get so excited as soon as they see their leash. It gets them out and exploring the world.

It’s a good idea to vary your route, or at least have two or three different walks that you choose. It’s also helpful to find places where you can let your dog run free for a while. There are a number of dog parks and some dog beaches in San Diego. Some parks have certain hours where you can let your dogs run off-leash. I take my dog to a baseball field at the end of the street. It’s usually empty and she has free reign to chase sticks and balls as much as she likes.

If you start to think of daily walks as therapy both for yourself and your dog, you’ll soon find yourself looking forward to them as much as your dog does.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS