Don’t you just love to walk your dog?
It’s your favorite morning activity and the best way to spend an afternoon.
Researchers sought to uncover what makes this activity so pleasurable?
Do dog owners enjoy the exercise?
Are dog owners more athletic than non-dog owners?
The study reveals dog owners walk their pups simply for the joy of the activity.
The Science Behind Why You Love to Walk Your Dog
Despite previous assumptions, a desire for health or other social benefits motivates dog walkers, a feeling of happiness is the simple reason.
In the paper, “I Walk My Dog Because It Makes Me Happy: A Qualitative Study to Understand Why Dogs Motivate Walking and Improved Health,” published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, University of Liverpool researchers examined interviews and written responses from 26 dog owners.
Their findings showed going for a stroll improves a dog’s happiness, therefore increasing the happiness of the owner.
Dog owners whose pets don’t enjoy exercise due to “laziness” or old age had less of a desire to walk their pups.
“It’s clear from our findings that dog walking is used to meet the emotional needs of the owner as well as the needs of the dog,” study lead Dr. Carri Westgarth said in a press release.
What the Research Means for You and Your Pup
Enjoy dog walking?
Great!
Keep exercising your pup as often as you want.
When your dog is happy, you’re happy.
Exercising your dog improves the bond with your pet and increases both your happiness.
Another way to bond with your pet is to let him or her sleep in your bedroom.
New research shows it won’t disturb your sleep.
Don’t have time for a stroll with your dog?
Is your pup hard to manage on a leash?
Consider hiring a professional dog trainer or dog walker.
A dog trainer will help teach you and your pup how to stroll on a leash in a way benefitting you both.
Looking for more ways to improve you and your pet’s bond?
Consider making homemade pet food!
