Hello there! I am Floppy, the loyal dachshund. I have written on a number of topics regarding the general health of our breed, our care and well-being. Today, we will be talking about why you should walk your dog regularly, and its importance in your dog’s life.
Why Is It So Important?
Let’s see why it is so important to walk your dog regularly.
Staying Active!
All dogs need their daily walk. It is even more vital for dachshunds. We are an intelligent breed, used mostly for our great sense of smell. Dachshunds sometimes work with the cops or the FBI.
Yes, we are that smart! In order to prevent lethargy and keep our bodies active, we need to exercise regularly. A dachshund is also a playful breed so you will have lots of fun with your dog while going for a walk.
Hunting
Dachshunds are designed to hunt; we enjoy going after small insects, badgers and the like. It is important for a dachshund to get out of the house every once in a while – he needs to go on his hunting sprees. They like to go after their prey and kill it. The toys at home will not suffice all the time.
Exercise
A dachshund’s build is quite different from that of other dog breeds. We have a large face and a long back, but very short legs. Our entire weight is supported by our small legs, which can lead to extra strain on them. This can also lead to abnormal weight gain. Since we are a playful breed that likes to go on adventures, weight gain is not at all suitable for a dachshund.
Avoid Lethargy
Dachshunds like to play. But if we are not given access to open space and fresh air, we can sometimes become downright lazy and fat. You don’t want your dog sleeping all the time, or just lying around idle. You want him capable of protecting the house and able to sniff out any pests. In order to perform our “jobs,” we really need our daily walk.
Socializing
Another reason why walks are so important for dogs is socialization. A dog likes to know more about the environment they live in, the neighborhood, the neighbors, and most importantly, other dogs in the area. We like getting to know each other, and meeting up, not unlike our masters. If our master has friends who also have a dog, that is the best thing ever! Then we can go for walks together, have play dates, hunt together, and many more things. We also don’t like being cooped up all day inside the house, with limited access to the world and few people to play with.
To Drain The Adrenaline
Dachshunds are meant primarily for scent-tracking and hunting. As such, we get these sudden bursts of energy at times, which we need to release every now and then. A walk addresses that need. Without a walk, our energy stores up inside our body and brain, making us restless and destructive. We could end up chewing on clothes, rugs, shoes, etc. even if we don’t want to!
Necessary Functions
A dog does not always want to relieve himself in the home or in the vicinity of the home. Sometimes, he needs a change in location. A walk provides this. A walk will also make going to the bathroom easier, and the house will be left fresher for it, too.
Consequences
Let’s take a look at the negative effects of not walking your dog regularly.
Breed-specific Health Problems
Dachshunds are especially prone to back problems. It could be genetic or situational, caused by moving the wrong way for our build, for example. The causes behind our back problems are many, and it is highly likely that a dachshund will experience some. One sure way of avoiding back problems is simple – take them out for a walk regularly, and you’re less likely to have anything to worry about.
Nuisance
Dachshunds are especially good at deep barks. If they don’t get their walk and adequate exercise, they tend to bark loudly, creating a ruckus in the neighborhood. This behavior is the result of restlessness caused by staying at home all day long. A dog needs fresh air every day, too.
Becoming Withdrawn
If you keep your dog inside the house all day long, away from the rest of the world, it is likely that he will become withdrawn. If he lacks experience interacting with the outside world, he will be confused about how to react when he happens to meet others. There will be hesitation and barking.
Becoming Hyperactive
If you don’t take your dog out often, there is a chance that he will go nuts when he does go outside. He would want to make the most of his time outside, resulting in over-enthusiasm. Humans might misinterpret this behavior as rude or arrogant, but most of the time, it is just over-friendliness that causes us to behave this way. Furthermore, this will make our owners hesitant about removing a dog’s leash and letting him roam around freely.
Stiffness
Dachshunds are already built with lower stamina, due to their short legs and long body. However, without regular walks, this situation will worsen, along with stiffness in the muscles. Stiff muscles will make it hard to run fast, jump around, and play chase.
Training Becomes Harder
Every dog requires training. Dachshunds are meant for hunting and socializing. However, in order to be compatible with humans, we need to be trained properly. Training is a crucial part of a dog’s life. If not done right, he might remain unruly. Training is done best outside the house, in the open air, and not within four walls. Through walks, this process becomes natural.
By now, you must have realized the importance of walks in a dog’s life. The ill-effects of not walking are many. So please give us our walks… it will be beneficial for you as well!
See Also My Other Related Posts:
Don't Forget To Make Your Dachshund Happy And Check Out Dachshund Favorite Products!
In my article, I reveal all the information about Dachshund’s Favorite Food. The best dachshund food available on the market: Most Nutritious And Delicious Dachshund Food Products Available On The Market.
If you want to learn what are the latest trends in Dachshund fashion check my article: Dachshund’s Fashion. How to choose the dachshund clothes that just simply fit: Finding the Right Clothes for Your Dachshund.
If you want to prepare your beloved Dachshund for cold weather check out my article: Jackets And Outdoor Gears For Dachshund.
To go out with your dachshund, but not choke him to death check out my article about harnesses: Finding The Best Harness for Dachshund When you are ready to get one check the options available on the market Choosing The Right Harness For Your Dachshund.
