It’s spring, and a young dog’s fancy turns to…walks!

Actually, dogs of all ages need daily walks at all times of the year, for a variety of reasons:

• exercise

• stimulation

• socialization

• becoming familiar with the area where they live.

The last is important in the event they get lost: if they haven’t been out of their own yards, they won’t know where their home is! Along with always wearing a collar with a tag and having a microchip, familiarity with the neighborhood will make it more likely your dog will be returned or find his/her own way home.

Walks can be long or short, once or twice a day, and are good for people as well as their dogs. The speed and length of walks is not as important as one might think - sniffing is equally as important as it stimulates your dog’s brain.

If you introduce puppies to leash walks early, chances are they won’t have many problems with on-leash behavior—but they might. If you have a dog who is unaccustomed to a leash, or have a particularly lively puppy, consider using a harness or head collar, like the Gentle Leader. A few sessions with a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement training techniques can also be a huge help for both you and your dog. It’s worth it!