Walking is the easiest, cheapest, most convenient and most popular way for most adults to be physically active (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2004). It’s a great way to get your daily dose of physical activity because you need only some good walking or running shoes and a safe place to walk.

For many people, walking a dog is more fun and more rewarding than walking alone. Some people go for a walk mostly to keep their dog healthy and fit. In the end, both dogs and their owners benefit from the physical activity, fresh air and sunshine that a good walk gives them. Anything that gets you walking regularly is a good thing.

This article tells you about the relationship between owning a dog and dog walking, as well as how walking benefits both you and your dog. 

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Will Owning a Dog Get You Walking More?
Research on dog walking and health shows mixed results, since not all studies have looked at the same things.

For example, some studies mix urban and rural settings, which offer very different living conditions for both dogs and people. Many people in the country don’t need to walk their dogs—they can just let them run around on their farm or acreage. On the other hand, city people need to walk their dogs because their dogs often live in more confined spaces.

A 2006 study by Shane Brown and Ryan Rhodes in Victoria, B.C., found that dog owners in the city were more active than non-owners. They also found that when people no longer own a dog, they walk less as a result.

Should You Get a Dog So That You’ll Walk More?
Some dog owners feel obliged to walk their dog. Other dog owners exercise their dogs by putting them in the backyard, paying the neighbour kids to walk them or using doggy day care.

Since many dog owners don’t walk their dogs, there is no guarantee that owning a dog will get you walking more. So you should not get a dog in the hopes that it will make you more active. Being active is ultimately a decision you have to make.

You can have the pleasure of walking a dog without owning one. Perhaps you have friends, family or neighbours whose dog needs walking. Also, animal shelters such as the Edmonton Humane Society need their dogs walked.

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Benefits of Dog Walking
Dog walking helps you get to know other people on your block and at the dog park. It’s a great way to meet people, as dogs and puppies can be magnets for other dog lovers.

Dog walking also helps meet the social needs of dogs. Most dogs love this bonding time with their owner, and many also love meeting other dogs and people.

Walking your dog around your neighbourhood makes it known that you have a dog and that it will be in your house when you’re not home. Dogs are well-known to discourage burglary—even small dogs. So walking your dog can help you protect your home.

Walking is good for the health of humans and dogs; it’s one of the best and easiest forms of physical activity. Humans and dogs become overweight if they’re not getting enough physical activity. As we all know, being overweight can lead to a host of health problems. Walking together keeps you both in shape.

So there are many reasons why dog walking is enjoyable and helpful. While owning a dog doesn’t guarantee that you will be more active, research shows that many people walk more if they have a dog. Make sure you’re one of them.

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Learn More
Dog Ownership and Regular Walking
A newsletter article from the Alberta Centre for Active Living that summarizes recent research about dog walking.

SPCAs/Humane Societies in Alberta
The Alberta SPCA’s list of links to the humane societies in Alberta that may need your help dog walking.

Tips for Dog and Owner
Tips about dog walking from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in Ontario.

Dog Walking: The Health Benefits
Information about dog walking from the “Go for your life” initiative by the Victoria government in Australia.