Various news sources are reporting that as early as next year, “Taking your dog for walks twice a day for at least an hour in total could soon become the law in Germany.” Under the proposed rules, dog owners would be required to take their dogs for at least 2 walks a day and totalling at least one hour of walk time. Additionally, owners would not be allowed to leave dogs alone the whole day.
On the surface, this may seem ridiculous and yet so far there’s been no push back from the dogs! Seriously though, it is generally believed that dogs benefit the most from two to three walks a day at 15-30 minutes per walk. Of course, the reality is that this varies according to at least your dog’s, breed, age, size, health conditions, and even eating habits.
For example, very active breeds such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, or Siberian Huskies require much more activity (frequency and time). And its not all about walking either. Working breeds like a Boxer, Great Dane, or Schnauzer really need mental stimulation beyond the physical aspects of a walk. Regardless of the breed, stage of life, or personality of your dog; a Pet Pals Adventure will suit these pup(s) to give them exactly what they are craving and needing.
Additionally, Pet Pals understands people struggle to walk their dog for many natural reasons and especially when the dog pulls or is reactive. Pet Pals Mentorship Walk and Train Program uses positive reinforcement methods to help the dog understand how to walk nicely on leash. We know that a reactive dog can leave everyone feeling emotionally drained, and people with such dogs often end up walking in the very early morning or late at night to try and avoid other people instead of picking a time that is truly best for them and their dog. Bottom line, training can make a big difference, and Pet Pals does just that; makes the difference!
Still, the complication and variables to consider don’t stop there either. There are times when it is not appropriate to take dogs for long walks out when different styles of walking are called for, such as when they are recovering from surgery, suffering from some medical condition, too old and/or otherwise not mentally or physically fit enough to enjoy it, or when extremes of weather make it unsafe, etc. Here too the list can be endless and it is really about the specific dog, their environment, and what’s best for them instead of a one size fits all approach. Still and in these circumstances, Pet Pals is well prepared with other activities, such as taking them for a “Pet Pals Sniffari” and letting them sniff to their heart’s content, using food toys, snuffle mats, or various other activities that your dog will enjoy, that will keep their mind moving, and that will be physically appropriate for them.
Most importantly to remember, you do not have to stress or otherwise spend time thinking through all of the above, or even remembering it as we’ve already taken care of it. It's what we love doing! Pet Pals is here to help fill in the gaps with your dog walking schedule and bridging the gap between living the life you want, while still the love and cared for pet(s) you deserve. Beyond walking your dog(s) for you, Pet Pals can customize a plan for you, your dog, and your lifestyle, and Pet Pals will have them ready for you and your dog to have an enjoyable walk together.
đź—ŁHire Pet Pals to walk your dog once a day and we also challenge you to enjoy walking your dog once a day. Pet Pals challenges you to walk your dog once a day, 5 days a week in January. Let us know your experience and if you beat the challenge!
🙋♀️Also, Pet Pals Wants Your Thoughts: should pet parents be legally required to meet minimum standards for walking their dogs?
