January is Walk Your Dog Month. Get up off that sofa, get moving, and don’t let those sub-zero winter temperatures drag you down. Dogs need plenty of exercise throughout the year and the best way to keep them active in winter is to take them for regular walks. Even a short walk around the block on a cold day makes a big difference. So, begin this year with a pledge — better health for you and your dog!
History of Walk Your Dog Month
Walk Your Dog Month is a perfect time to blend exercise with bonding time for you and your pup. The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention released a clinical study in 2017, stating that 56% of dogs in the United States are obese. That equates to over 50 million dogs across the country.
A statement declared that “The number of pets with clinical obesity continues to increase. Clinical obesity results in more secondary conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer. Pets with obesity also have reduced quality of life and shorter life expectancy.”
Regular walks and exercise can help control your dog’s weight and limit the chances of them becoming obese. January may seem like a cold month to be placing emphasis on dog walking, but that’s why it is the right time to do it. Your dog needs walking all year round and if you can do it in January then you can do it all the time.
Walk Your Dog Month timeline
- 2011
Walking Strong
The largest dog walk, “The Great North Dog Walk” was organized in the U.K. 22,742 dogs took part in it.
- 1964
New York’s First Dog Walker
In New York, Jim Buck started out walking an acquaintance’s dog. Later he went on to employ assistants that were walking hundreds of dogs. He also opened a training school for dogs.
- 1929
Service with a Walk
The first school for training service dogs in Nashville, TN, started training dogs to become intelligent walking companions for the visually impaired.
- 7000 B.C.
The First Strong Walkers
In north-eastern Siberia, dogs were getting trained to pull sleds in the snow and go to places that were inaccessible to humans.
Walk Your Dog Month FAQs
Why is Walk Your Dog Month important?
To keep your pet healthy and happy. Without regular walks, your dog’s health is at risk. As their owner, you need to do what is best for them.
Where is Walk Your Dog Month observed?
Mainly in the United States but it has started to gain more traction in other places such as the UK.
When is Walk Your Dog Month?
January
Five Facts About Walk Your Dog Month
Dogs can see color
It’s a popular myth that dogs are color blind. They can see in color but just not as vividly as humans.
Canidae
Dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals all belong to the Canidae family which is one of seven carnivore families.
Improves mental well being
Physical activity releases endorphins that create a state of happiness. Because your dog is cooped up in the house most of the winter, that walk will definitely improve their spirits.
Over an hour a day
Dog owners walk an average of nine hours per week. If walking at normal speed, this equates to 36 miles per week. That’s a good amount of exercise.
Monday Blues
Monday is the most skipped day when it comes to dog walking. It sounds like a lot of people are suffering from the Monday blues.
How To Celebrate Walk Your Dog Month
Change your routine
After a period of you and your pup walking the same route, it can start to feel boring. Change up your path a little to create more excitement.
Walk with your dog in style
Treat your dog to a brightly colored new leash or a fancy water bottle to take on their walk. These little things make a difference. Your pup will enjoy the attention, you are their best friend after all.
Teach your dog some new tricks
Teaching them some new tricks is an opportunity for you to not only spend some time together but to burn off energy as well. This is a great way for you and your pup to get some exercise.
Why We Love Walk Your Dog Month
Extra bonding time
Walk Your Dog Month means you get to spend more bonding time with your pup. If that’s not a great reason to love this month then we don’t know what is.
Meeting other people
Walking the dog means you are much more likely to meet other people in your neighborhood who are also out and about with their dogs. It’s good to be social, both for you and for your dog.
Good exercise
It’s good exercise for you and your dog. Did you have a little too much to eat over the holiday season? Don’t fret, Walk Your Dog Month is the perfect opportunity to shed a few pounds.
Also on Wed Jan 1, 2025...
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