NATIONAL WALKING DAY - 2 April 2025

We all know that exercise is good for us, and every little bit of physical activity helps us improve our health and wellbeing. But did you know that getting out for a dog walk can offer added benefits?

Here are just some of the ways that taking a walk can benefit you and your four-legged friend:

Improves Mood & Reduces Stress

Studies show that walking for just 15 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure, which can often also result in decreasing stress levels. Getting outdoors for fresh air and a good boost of vitamin D helps to improve our mood, making us feel calmer and happier overall.
It’s also well documented that animals can have a positive impact on our mental health, so not only does a dog walk offer an opportunity to practice mindfulness and take advantage of the benefits of being outdoors, but it can strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.
And, you might not realise it, but a walk is excellent for your dog’s mental health too! Walking in new and unexplored areas gives them a constructive task to process different sights, smells and sounds. So, it’s great for their mental stimulation and development.

Physically Beneficial

Walking at a brisk pace can count towards your daily dose of cardio!

We all know how beneficial it is for us to have a daily walk, but it’s equally important for your dog too as it helps prevent obesity. Canine obesity often leads to other illnesses such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and insulin resistance. Walking can help to prevent these complications later in life.

Strengthening

Our muscles, bones and joints are strengthened by our physical activity.  Getting out for a dog walk can actually make you feel a little stronger and stand a little taller! Walking for 15-30 minutes a day is an effective way to prevent osteoporosis (the loss of bone density).  And, much like us, as our dogs age they tend to suffer from joint pain too, but regular walks can also help improve their joint health.

Building Good Habits

There have been studies conducted which found that, on average, dog owners were more likely to walk for recreation when compared to non-owners. Your dog can actually influence you into forming lifelong, healthy habits! Getting out for a daily walk will ensure that you’re active on a regular basis.

Your dog depends on you for their walk, which means that dog walking can actually influence the development of other healthy habits, such as getting up early each morning in order to go for your dog walk.

Preventing Bad Behaviours

Taking your dog for a walk enhances their emotional health – when they spend one on one time with you, it builds a shared emotional connection that can help deter annoying and/or attention-seeking behaviours, such as whining and barking. And, getting your dog out of the house each day will prevent boredom, which can be a trigger for chewing and destructive behaviours.

Boosting Social Skills

According to one survey, people that walk dogs are perceived as more friendly and approachable, as well as more likely to acknowledge and greet others in the street. Having a dog can break uncomfortable social barriers between people and encourages you to meet others in your local community.

Taking your dog out also exposes them to other people, objects, and animals, so they have the opportunity to learn suitable social behaviours. It’s also really important for your dog to meet and socialise with other dogs.  Regular walks, starting from an early age, will encourage your dog to develop appropriate social manners and skills. 

Opportunity for Training

Walking is particularly beneficial for dogs as it aids their digestive and urinary health. In short, it helps them use the loo! Daily walks are a good excuse to practice going to the toilet outdoors, especially for puppies.

Walks also give you the chance to practice training techniques like working on commands and recall. Training is another great way for your dog to engage in mental stimulation and can help with strengthening your bond.

How to get more out of your walk

If you’re wondering how to get even more goodness out of your dog walks, try these tips!

·        Explore a new area or try a new route – it’s good for your dog to experience new surroundings.

·         Bring toys along to try a new game or increase their exercise intake.

·         Pack some treats for training, your pup will love being rewarded for learning a new skill!

·         Invite a friend – either human or canine – to add some fun.

If you’re looking for somewhere new to explore, here a just a few websites that we’ve found.   There are many more available though, so if you have a favourite, please share it with us in the comments on our social media.

Dog Walks Near Me is a website aimed at helping dog walkers find excellent countryside dog walks. All walks featured are free of stiles and contain detailed maps and easy to follow guides. The walks are also graded (easy, moderate or challenging) and contain an overview of the terrain to help ensure that everyone, regardless of fitness, can find a walk suitable for them and their dog.

The site is updated regularly with their latest dog walks, with particular focus on the countryside and the National Parks, including the Lake District, Peak District, South Downs, Snowdonia, Cairngorms.

Check out their website and interactive map here: WEBSITE

Out With The Dog have an ever growing number of great dog walk locations on the map, ranging from country parks, woodland rambles, coastal walks, beach paddles and local dog friendly parks.  There are always lots of places waiting to be explored.  For advice on finding a great dog friendly beach, take a look at their beach guide and walk reviews to find out where you can let your dog run freely without any beach restrictions.   Here’s the link to their website: WEBSITE

The National Trust; with parks, woods, moors and miles of coastline to discover, you're sure to find a place that both you and your dog can explore.

You can also learn about how the National Trust are welcoming dogs to the places in their care.

For more information and to plan your dog-friendly visit The National Trust WEBSITE.

🥾🐾 HAPPY WALKING!! 🐾🥾