PetChat: Spring Is Here. Go Take A Hike!

Finally! It’s spring. Despite some lingering snowstorms out west here in the USA, it’s safe to say that the flowers are in bloom, the birds are chirping and the weather is getting warmer by the minute. It’s time to get off the couch, kiss Oprah goodbye and take your dog for a walk.

Backyards are great, but dogs need to socialize and sniff new butts!

Just like humans, dogs need to stretch their muscles and their minds, socialize and take time to sniff the roses. I once met a very lovely, very smart top dog executive from Wall street and she bragged how her chihuahua has never once been outside. He would go to the office with her and stay in her many homes. But never once has his little feet hit the pavement. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to wonder why she calls her pup, Monster!

Pet parents will say to me, “My dog has been chewing everything in sight.” My first question to them is: “How much exercise do they get?” 9 times out of 10 they admit, “Not much.” I believe there is a direct correlation between ruff behavior with our pets and lack of exercise. Think about the last time you were trapped inside because of bad weather for a few days. You got cabin fever and felt like climbing the walls. Right? Remember feeling like a coiled spring just ready to jump right out of your skin? Well, it’s no different for our furry friends. Boredom and lack of exercise can lead to chewing, barking and destructive behavior.

Cesar Millan says the order in which you love your dog is exercise, training and then affection. Whether you are a fan of Mr C.M. or not, I do believe exercise is most important. A good walk before you go to work, at lunch and after work will help your pup have pleasant dreams till your return. Your dog will be most happy and your never been chewed shoes will make you one very happy camper too.

So, with spring upon us, go take a hike! Or at least a nice walk with your dog. It’s good for the soul and the waistline. And if you are an urban dweller like me and my two Yorkies or live in the burbs, always use a leash. Exercise is very important, but safety is too. Your pet depends on you to protect them from being hit by a car, a bike or put in harms way by predators.

So, go have some fun, catch some vitamin D and enjoy your well behaved pup and not chewed Jimmy Choos!

Yappy Spring!

Elly McGuire

Pet Advocate

Elly is the host of #PETCHAT every Monday night at 8PM EST on Twitter. Tweet Elly @petchat and read her blogs at www.Schmittysays.com/petchat .

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