What happens if you don’t walk your dog?

The majority of people fantasise about welcoming a dog into their family. But it’s important to remember that your four-legged friend will need a lot of walks if he’s to live a happy life alongside you. In fact, experts recommend that canines should be taken for a decent-length stroll at least once a day – and some larger breeds can even benefit from being taken out several times a day. Just in case you don’t know, skipping walks could have an extremely detrimental effect on your pooch. Here are four common issues experienced among dogs who don't get enough exercise:

Anti-social behaviour

It’s on walks when your dog will get to socialise. Who with? Well, there are other dogs, other adults and even children. If your pet isn’t well-accustomed to spending time with such strangers, you may find that he reacts negatively to anyone who isn’t you or another family member.

Poor health

Dogs need plenty of exercise to avoid suffering from poor health. If they fall below a reasonable amount, they could quickly start to suffer from issues such as heart disease, respiratory problems, hip dysplasia and arthritis. Obviously, you’ll want your pet to avoid these ailments – not to mention the likelihood that they could become obese.

Destructive behaviour

Dogs that are cooped up for too long will eventually struggle to manage their energy levels. In most cases, they’ll become destructive in the household. You can usually combat this to a degree by investing in pet supplies like a kong. However, these tend to work best when used on dogs that are still walked regularly.

Poor obedience

You should find that walks are a great opportunity to establish a sense of control over your pooch. This is especially true if you’ve started using a harness rather than a lead because harnesses don’t provide dogs with as much of a chance to pull away from you.

Let the walkies commence

Don’t forget, walking your dog also provides an opportunity for you to have fun together. It should also ensure that your four-legged friend is happy and well-positioned for long and healthy life.

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