With more people adopting and buying dogs during the pandemic, we have found ourselves more and more attached to our furry companions. Similarly, dogs require a lot of love, care, and attention too.
Depending on the breed of your new canine companion, they may require more exercise and playtime than others.
There are several ways to spend time and expend your dog’s energy. One primary form of exercise for dogs and puppies is to take them on walks.
Many dogs become excited when we have the leashes ready or even mention the word “walk.” They can barely wait for us to put on the leashes and anxiously await for us to head out the door.
Dogs are ready to lead the way on walks, and many of them find the urge to explore and even pull on the leash.
There are several reasons why our dogs are ready to bust out of the door when they hear that magic four-letter word. Why do dogs get so excited for walks?
3 Reasons why dogs get so excited to go on walks
Dogs are naturally curious
Scent
Dogs can be naturally curious. When they find something new, they immediately decide they have to sniff it out.
Dogs are attracted to new scents, and they have to decide if the object is worth checking out or not. That can often lead dogs to meet new animals, foods to try, or items to chew on.
It will be good to let your dog have the opportunity to go where the nose leads them.
Sound
New sounds also cause our canine friends to be naturally curious. When dogs hear a suspicious sound, they can become frightened. Your dog might try to run in the other direction, so it is good to keep an eye on your pet.
Environment
If you take your dog on the new walking path, you will likely encounter new smells, sights, and creatures that spark your dog’s curiosity to want to explore more.
It is a good idea to change your walking path once in a while to keep things fresh and interesting.
Some new walking paths to consider could be a walking track, a trail in the forest, or a dog park. It is an excellent suggestion to keep an extra eye on your dog if you decide to take them for a walk in a new place or on a new walking path.
Natural outdoor creatures
Dogs originated from wild animals before becoming domesticated house pets and companions. A canine’s love for the outdoors comes naturally.
Dogs love spending time outside because they have a chance to exercise. Anytime you take your pup for a walk, they will become ecstatic. Playing fetch in the backyard is a good bonding experience and an excellent exercise for your pet.
As owners, we love taking our dogs outside so they have time to do their business. This allows our dogs to relieve their bladders and, at the same time, keep our homes from smelling like a doggy bathroom. Just remember to clean up after they are done with their business!
Our canines love to be outside with other dogs. If you have more than one dog, they will love to go on walks. Dogs have the natural ability to form packs and stick with others. They love to engage with other dogs if they are also on walks or playing outside in their yards.
Wolves had to form in packs to survive, and they had to hunt and rely on each other to survive.
Dogs still have some of the natural tendencies of their ancient ancestors. Forming in groups and being with other dogs is what will make your dog happy. Whether walking in a group or playing at the dog park, your pet will be comfortable around other dogs.
Excited to spend time with owners
Dogs are always excited to see their owners come home, and they will be stoked to spend quality time with their owners. And there are many ways to spend quality time with your pet after being away during the day.
Dogs can help us with stress and anxiety and be beneficial for our happiness and lives. At the same time, taking your dog on a walk can also help your pet’s health.
Your dog will be excited to have the chance to stretch its legs. After sitting in a crate, roaming around the house, or waiting for its owners in the backroom, your dog will be excited to have the chance to walk for a few minutes or miles. Dogs do not like to sit for long periods, and they will be ready to head out that door when you mention that magic four-letter word.
Walking your dog is one of the best ways to spend quality time with them. Pets love being with their owners.
Taking your dog on a 15-30 minute walk can be a great way to unplug and relax from your busy workday. Your pet will be excited to see you. Pet owners want to spend quality time with their dogs when they get home from work.
Your pet wants to spend time with you—dogs sense when a loved one is gone for several hours each day. A pet’s owner is a part of their life.
A pet is considered a big part of its owner’s family. We can learn to stop and smell the roses from our pets by taking a pleasant stroll around the park.
How do I stop my dog from getting over-excited before walking?
We know our pets become excited about walks. Sometimes our dogs can get overly excited for walks. How can we keep them from getting overly excited?
We can get ourselves ready before our dogs. Slip on your walking shoes, gather your dog walking supplies, grab your dog’s bandana, harness, and leash, and get them ready right before you leave.
Gather your items first thing. This will give your dog less time to react before heading out the door.
Try not to encourage your dog with excitement
Many dogs will associate excitement with a reward. If you talk to your dog in a loving, affectionate way, they will continue to think they act appropriately.
It is best to calm your dog before going on a walk if they are overly excited. Don’t pet your dog, make eye contact, or push them down if they start to jump on you. Rewarding your dog with a calm and ignored behavior will allow your dog to mellow out before your adventure.
Is it OK to let your dog walk in front of you without being too excited?
Having your dog walk in front of you might not be the best idea, and some pets might be too excited to walk in front of you.
You might accidentally trip over your dog or step on their paw. If your dog walks in front of you, they will pull and try to lead you.
Owners should be leading their dogs, not the other way around because dogs can become carried away, pull on the leash too hard, and possibly hurt themselves or their owners.
Instead of your pet walking in front of their owners, owners should teach their dogs to walk beside them. Typically dogs have a preferred side to walk on.
Owners should practice walking their dogs on the left and right sides. Pet owners should reward their dogs with a favorite treat or affection. Finding a solid and sturdy leash is another item that pet owners will be thankful for.
No pull harnesses will teach your dog not to pull on the leash, whether they walk in front or the side.
Read our article “Teaching Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash” for more tips.
How to teach your dog to walk without a leash
Teaching your dog to walk without a leash can be difficult, but it can be done! Practice inside your home and in your yard.
Start this process by keeping your dog on the leash. Practice with your dog by walking next to them. Use some of your dog’s favorite treats and praise to reward them.
The dog should look up and focus on your face. When the dog looks at you, please give them a treat. The dog will acknowledge that they are following your commands when you reward them.
Practice this with your dog several times. Stand by your dog’s side and have them sit. Have your dog practice sitting by your side.
After this, teach the dog to shift its momentum forward. Practice having the dog sit while moving forward slowly, one step at a time.
Next, walk forward a few steps while using a treat to encourage the canine to walk and move with you. Slowly stop and ask the dog to “sit.” If the dog stops, give them a treat or praise to reward them for following directions.
Continue and repeat this process until your dog picks up this process by performing it quickly. If the process is successful, continue these steps without the dog being clipped to the leash. Practicing at a local dog park or in your backyard before having the dog walk without a leash.
Conclusion
Dogs love to go on walks, and they are naturally curious animals that love to spend time outdoors.
They love to explore new walking paths, sights, and sounds. Going on a walk with your dog can be rewarding socialization time with your dog.
Dogs naturally love being outside. Going back to their wolf ancestors and forming pacts with other animals, dogs will enjoy the great outdoors.
Our furry friends love to spend time with their owners after being at work for many hours. Going on a walk will give you time to spend with your dog.
Walking is one of the top recommendations for exercise. Going on a walk will be beneficial for you and your pup.
Teaching your dog how to go on walks properly is essential. Teaching your dog calming techniques before going on walks is beneficial for your dog. Walking without a leash can be helpful, but it takes some practice before performing this in public.
Overall, dogs enjoy spending time with their humans. Once you adopt or buy a dog, count on taking them for many walks over its lifespan.