Why Dogs Need Their Walks

Dogs need exercise, and the activity they love more than any other is walking. However, many owners shirk the responsibility. Perhaps they simply don't have time, or maybe they don't realize how important it is to walk their pets.

Others try, but give up in frustration because the dog "plays up" every time he's on the leash. If this describes you, then listen up, because I'm about to tell you one of the most important things you need to know as a dog owner.

"Dogs need their walks!"

Any trainer will tell you that daily exercise is a must for all dogs. For some, 30 minutes to an hour may be enough, for others 2 hours will just be getting started. But the point is they all need exercise, and walking should be the core component of that.

But the walk is more than simply clipping on the dog's lead and heading out the door. A few simple guidelines will make it an altogether more enjoyable experience, for you and the dog.

Here are some of the things you should be doing;

* Choose walk times carefully, avoiding the heat of the day. If you do have to walk when it's hot, be sure to take some bottled water along, because dogs can overheat quite easily.

* Teach your dog to walk next to you rather than in front. A dog that takes the lead is more likely to become aggressive and pull on the lead, as he sees himself as leader and protector.

* Always keep slack on the lead. Every time you pull the dog back you just encourage him to pull in the opposite direction. Rather stop, wait for him to calm down, then continue.

* Own the walk. You decide where you go, when you stop, and whether the dog is allowed to mark, or sniff around.

* Where possible, avoid other dogs. You have no idea of another animal's temperament and matters can quickly get out of hand. If your dog is small, pick him up if a big dog approaches aggressively, if you have a big dog just walk in a different direction and avoid a confrontation.

You also don't know if a strange dog has been vaccinated and if it is carrying any diseases that may be passed to your dog.

* Choose a collar and leash (or a harness) that is comfortable for your dog, but that also gives you complete control. Also make sure that your dog is wearing an id tag, just in case he gets away from you.

If your dog does escape, the id tag will hopefully result in him being returned safely. For an extra level of security you may also want to have your dog micro-chipped.

* Lastly, enjoy yourself! Hanging out with your dog is one of the funnest things you can do, two buddies working out together and enjoying the pleasure of each others company. What could be better.

Visit dogsanddogtraining.com to for more dog training tips, advice on dog care, and information on dog breeds

How Dogs Show Their Emotions

Any true dog owner will willingly admit that their dog is a part of the family and in the same way as any human member; the dog is as capable of showing feelings and emotions just like people.

These emotions are present from the first day you bring your new puppy home. At first you laugh as you watch how happy and excited they are, their never ending tail wagging, wet noses and long tongues wanting to lick and past their scent to you. Then the human to animal bonding starts, suddenly in their new home the puppy shows signs of nervousness and all of your protective nurturing surfaces, as you watch them lower their heads and cower into the nearest corner.

All through a dog's life they display their emotions to you from happiness to sadness to illness. The range of a dog's body language is so similar to humans. Everyone can see a truly happy dog, the tail wags so fast and their bodies become quite bouncy. Eager to please anyone and always looking for praise and a game, but it takes the owner to recognise the varied forms of their animal's emotions.

During the course of a dog's life they often have to experience many changes to their family, they see children leaving home, sometimes the loss of an older pet, maybe a divorce and quite frequently a house move. At these stressful periods the dog may become quiet and withdrawn; their tail can be hung down between their legs and may be quite lethargic. Owners know immediately that things are not quite right, all it often requires is a little reassurance, some extra attention and letting the dog know you are there for them.

People often say that a dog has a sixth sense, sometimes you wonder how your pet can possibly know that a family member is about to walk through the door? There are strange times however when your dog will exhibit signs of nervousness and tension. The hairs on the back of the neck will rise, the body stiffens and you are aware that your dog is telling you something is wrong. Many people have been alerted to the possibilities of danger by reading these actions from your dog, an intruder outside or a fire downstairs. In some ways by understanding your animal's emotions, any strange body language should never be ignored.

A dog will use his voice to try and let you know what he wants to say. Over time you will understand what all the different levels of barking can possibly mean. Some pets bark excitedly when going for a walk, another bark for visitors to the door. Howling or whimpering is hard to decipher, until you really get to know your dog these noises can vary between attention seeking or illness.

Obviously your dog cannot talk to you with words, but incredibly once you begin to read and understand the animal's emotions, you will know everyday the state of mind of your pet. This will help you to provide him with a happy healthy lifestyle for the many years you will share together.

Lucy May works from home as a freelance writer and regularly contributes to various online sites, including blogs and websites concerning dogs and puppies. For more information on living with dogs please take a look at: http://k9schooltime.blogspot.com/