Source: alexi_tm/Shutterstock.com Walking your dog is an essential part of dog ownership. Lots of pet owners wonder how frequently their dog should go out for a walk. It’s imperative that dogs get frequent, regular exercise. Without it, dogs can develop obesity, heart disease and a slew of other health issues that can cause you to suddenly have a massive vet bill. You should walk your dog at least once a day if not more. Here’s some more information about walking your dog to keep them happy and healthy! What You Need to Walk Your Dog Safely Before you can determine how often to walk your dog, there are a few things you’ll need. A quality dog collar and leash set will go a long way in helping you to walk your dog safely. If you try to take your dog out without a collar or a leash, you run the risk of them running away from you, getting lost or even getting hit by a car. Avoid the hassle and invest in a dog collar and leash for your dog before going out for walks. Discover Our High-Quality Pet ID Tags & More Speaking of collars, you’ll also want a pet tag. Tags are a great tool for dog safety because they hold vital information. Whether it’s your dog’s name, your contact information or any medical conditions your dog has, there are lots of benefits of a custom pet tag for your dog. It’s especially helpful in the event that your dog gets out. Whether they run out an open door or they happen to pull too far from you while out on a walk, having a pet tag on your dog increases their chances of being returned in a timely manner. You can’t go wrong with a pet tag for your dog. Luckily, our silicone tags are made with convenience in mind. They’re silent, so they won’t disturb you or your dog through the day and night. Plus, since they’re made from silicone, they won’t rust and they will clean easily. Simply wipe them off with a damp rag or put them in your dishwasher’s utensil section for easy cleaning. Source: Javier Brosch/Shutterstock.com Training Your Dog When you take your dog out for a walk, you’ll need to ensure that they’re ready for being out with others. You can’t assume that your dog will take easily to being on a leash or out in public with other dogs, especially if your dog is a puppy. Before taking your dog out, consider training them to know a few different commands that are typically standard of dog owners. Commands such as “heel” and “stay” are important for a dog to know before you take them out walking. A lot of dogs pull on their leashes, especially if they aren’t trained. This is entirely natural. Many dogs are trying to find the scent they’ve caught or go toward something interesting they’ve seen. It’s important they learn not to pull before you take them out walking. There’s many ways to learn how to train your dog not to pull on a leash, especially so they can have a successful and easy walk with you. You Should Walk Your Dog Consistently Since most people want to know how much they should really walk their dog, it’s important to know the key thing is consistency. Keeping your dog on a clear and consistent schedule is the best thing you can do to keep them healthy. You can easily come up with a daily walk schedule that makes sense for you and your dog. While you might be worried that a once-a-day walk is bad for your dog, it’s just important that your dog has consistent and clear walking time. Source: Jus_OI/Shutterstock.com Of course, this doesn’t replace their time outside. Instead, it accompanies it. Dogs should go outside twice a day to relieve themselves. However, you don’t have to walk them twice a day unless your schedule allows it. In fact, if you’re not able to walk them for 30 minutes at least once a day, then you should consider walking them for 15 minutes twice a day. These 30 minutes give them the exercise they need. Of course, if you have an older dog or a dog with health issues, then they might not be able to commit to the full 30 minutes. Make sure you check with their vet before taking them on a strenuous or lengthy walk. Walking Benefits You Too Walking isn’t just good for your dog. It’s great for you too! Take your dog out for walks daily to improve your own health. Walking decreases your blood pressure, builds muscle mass and provides you with better heart health. So, if you’re struggling to take your dog out on a walk, just remember that it’s great for both of you.