Professional dog trainers can’t stress enough how valuable the “pack exercise” in your dog’s life can be.  Continually throughout the days, months, weeks, and years of dog owenership, the human must reinforce the pack order and hierarchy. The walk can be the cornerstone of this relationship between leader and follower.  On leash, a dog dragging a human along is simply establishing that pack order as he sees fit. Off leash, a dog who jumps up and claws at her human’s knees is doing the same.  In most cases, the dog is bored, or burning off a cauldron of energy that’s been bubbling all day, or even frustrated at being alone for so long. Weak pack authority simply channels this extra energy into the dog taking the captain’s seat by hook or by crook. Read the invaluable literature available from the above-mentioned experts. They both agree on this.  Dogs need leaders. Obedience. Exercise. Pack order. A job.

Depending on breed or type, a great job for your dog is furry exercise partner.  Even if you’re ambling along with a cane, a dog will go with you. Some long-distance runners train with leash-trained dogs for conditioning. The dogs do not tire as quickly (provided they are at a good fitness level), and rarely will “downshift” up hills as we humans usally have to do. The walk (or run) is so beneficial to both canine and human, but so often overlooked for its value. Both human and dog get exercise and fresh air. The dog can learn good leash manners. In public situations, the dog can meet and see other people, dogs, cars, buses, or any other distraction. At the end of the day, the dog is curled up and snoring on his bed, paws twitching in dreams about the day’s adventures.  Hopefully, the human is doing the same.  Weight-loss products and sleep aids are no match for a great walk or run with a dog!