According to APPA, there are approximately 65.1 million pet dogs in the United States alone and many owners who couldn’t live without their four-legged best friends. Many of these people have been dog owners their entire lives, but not everyone has had the opportunity to grow up with dogs in the home and is new to the sport.
People from all over the country, from all walks of life and from every walk of life imaginable own dogs and there’s one thing that unites them all: walking your dog is just about the best thing ever. Some people have always known this and enjoy taking their dogs for a daily walk, but others have only recently become aware of this after a pretty major world event kept us all behind closed doors.
The pandemic effect
During the pandemic that forced us to stay confined to our homes and neighborhoods, we all started spending as much time outdoors as possible. People suddenly realized that they were spending too much time at work, staring at computers and television screens. We began to realize something that long-time dog owners have known for some time: walking in nature with your dog makes you feel good.
Today, in a post-pandemic world, people have returned to normal life and the time spent with Mother Nature is a distant memory. We have returned to the drudgery of the working world and have forgotten the benefits of the natural world on our overall well-being.
We must remember to look after our own physical and mental well-being as well as that of our dogs. So let’s see why dog walks are so wonderful and how they can benefit us in surprising ways.
Functional or recreational walks
There are two types of dog walking and while both are better than nothing, one is better than the other.
Functional walks
Functional walks sound like their name. They achieve a goal, check a box, and ensure the dog goes out for its own enjoyment. minimum exercise requirement. These walks are usually quite short, squeezed into a busy schedule, and don’t leave much time for you or the dog to do anything in particular.
Chewing at the park, walking down the street, or doing the regular loop just so the dog can do its business and hopefully be stimulated enough to not destroy any shoes the next time you’re at work. While functional walks are sometimes a necessity, they should not become the norm for you and your dog.
Recreational walks
In contrast, a recreational walk is a longer, more exploratory walk that has huge benefits for both owner and dog. Generally, they are taken in places of beauty, on beachesor in larger parks, and people are often more likely to move away from their local area.
The stimulation for your dog is apparent and the effects felt by you are undeniable; but what exactly happens to us while we enjoy bonding with our dog and spending time in nature?
Your mental health and your nature
There is growing evidence linking the time you spend in nature directly to your mental well-being. We’ve all experienced the moment when you can hear the wind in the leaves, smell the grass and see the colors around you; but the effect it actually has on our brains is profoundly significant.
Studies have shown that spending as little as 10 minutes outside can have a huge impact on our psychological state and reduce stressors that contribute to mental health issues like depression.
Ecotherapy is used all over the world and provides incredible benefits, even to those who do not have mental health problems.
Adventure and nature therapy is also widely adopted in the treatment of mental health problems, “studies show that spending time outdoors may improve mental health problems like depression and anxiety. And research shows that attempting adventurous activities can also have positive effects on mental state.
When we consider the bonds we form with our dogs, the benefits become even more obvious; the motivation that having a dog can give you to get out and be active is plain for all to see. Fatigue and lethargy are serious symptoms of depression, but can be combatted with simple motivations and activities.
You’ll also find yourself in a community of sorts, as dog walkers frequently stop to chat with other dog owners; you might even be able to make friends and set specific “dog walk dates” to enjoy together.
Escape the screens
The average American spends just over 7 hours a day, every day, in front of a screen; It’s pretty scary when you consider that we’re only really awake for about 14 hours a day! So it’s more important than ever to take the time to put down the phone, step away from the computer or turn off the TV.
Taking the dog out and practicing mindfulness is a great way to rediscover yourself and de-stress after work, and you’ll be able to release stress and breathe a little more freely. Mindfulness is simply the practice of being present in a moment, observing your surroundings, and truly understanding things.
It may sound silly, but it’s a surprisingly difficult thing to achieve in today’s world and many people struggle to find a state of true relaxation. Leave your phone at home, go outside and take a minute to truly observe the natural things around you; you might be surprised by the results.
Increase your fitness
This one is probably the most obvious of all, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. Any type of physical activity is a good thing, and getting outside for at least an hour a day will have a huge impact on your life. You will strengthen your body, improve your cardiovascular capacity and you will feel much better.
Your dog can be your fitness coach to keep you motivated, rain or shine, and among low-impact sports, walking is one of the best. You can stay on flat ground at a brisk pace, stroll through fields and parks, wander through the woods, or climb the biggest hill you can find. Enjoy varied terrain, follow rivers and visit waterfalls; there are endless things to see and do, don’t forget to bring water for you and the pup!
Improve your sleep
One of the symptoms of mental illness that many people suffer from is insomnia, and physical activity is one of the best ways to combat this phenomenon. You may have noticed that after your dog goes for a long walk, he falls into a deep recovery sleep; it’s their way of recovering and it works pretty much the same for us.
Physical fatigue can contribute to restful sleep, so if you haven’t yet reached your 8 hours, go for a challenging walk with the dog. You won’t fall asleep immediately, but you will exercise your muscles and allow your brain to turn off.