4 Dog Walking Tips for the Busy Apartment Dweller

Dog walking doesn’t always have the allure for pet lovers that it does for their dogs. After a busy day, sometimes owners are just too tired to give their dogs the exercise they need. However, it’s especially important that the cramped apartment dweller take his or her dog out for a walk every day.

1 – Schedule a Daily Walking Session

The best way to accomplish any task is to make an organized schedule of your day. This is especially helpful for the dog owner, who needs to keep his or her dog on a routine bathroom schedule anyway.  The number and length of dog walking sessions your dog requires to remain healthy depends on the size, age, breed and health of your pet, but generally, all dogs need at least one 30-60 minute walking session per day. Schedule a session during the early evening, late evening, your lunch hour or before work in the morning. Get up earlier and make the time if necessary.

2 – Start Small and Set Goals

Although your dog may need more exercise, if you’re not used to exercise yourself, you’re going to get winded if you walk a mile your first day. Start at a slow, steady pace and make it your goal to walk around the block with your dog several times during your 30-minute session. The next day, aim to walk another one to two blocks and circle that route around your apartment. Continue adding distance and you’ll find yourself better able to handle a brisker pace. Your dog will be happy to have more to see and sniff on her walk, too.

3 – Multitask

If you’re really pressed for time, go dog walking while you accomplish other tasks. Scope out a small neighborhood grocery store and see if you can keep your dog tied up in sight outside while you run in to pick up ingredients for that night’s dinner. Take your mail with you on the walk and stop at the post office. Living in an apartment, you have the advantage over suburb dwellers in that you’re most likely within walking distance of at least a couple of shops and cafes. Walk instead of drive and both you and your dog will be in better shape.

4 – Use a Harness

One of the easiest ways to stick to your dog walking goals is to make the walking experience as pleasant as possible. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to use a harness on your dog in lieu of attaching her leash to her collar. Not only is this healthier for your dog (her delicate trachea area won’t be injured should you need to pull her back sharply), but it gives you more control over her behavior. This means you, not your dog, will be leading the walk.

Dog walking is essential for the apartment dweller dog owner because a healthy dog needs exercise and room to move around. As a dog owner, you owe it to your pet to take her outside for fresh air.