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Get ready to lace up those walking shoes and grab your furry friend because National Walk Your Dog Week is here on October 1! This week-long celebration was first established in 2010 by Pet Sitters International to promote the health and well-being of both dogs and their owners. Not only does this holiday encourage daily walks for dogs, but it also reminds us of the important bond between humans and their canine companions. So let's hit the trails, sidewalks, or even just stroll around the neighborhood with our four-legged friends by our side!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emergence of Urban Dog-walking</div><div class='timeline-text'>As urban populations grew in the 1800s, dog-walking became a necessity and a social activity for pet owners, creating the foundation for present-day walking practices.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Leash Laws Implemented</div><div class='timeline-text'>Stricter leash laws started being implemented across the US leading to regular dog walking habits amongst pet owners to ensure their pets' safety.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Increased Focus on Pet Wellness</div><div class='timeline-text'>The new millennium saw a sharp increase in focus on pet wellness with regular exercise being acknowledged as a key element of dog health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth of Dog Walking Industry</div><div class='timeline-text'>With increasingly busy lifestyles, the demand for professional dog walkers surged, highlighting the importance of regular walks for dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of National Walk Your Dog Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pet Sitters International established National Walk Your Dog Week to further promote the benefits of regular dog walking for pets and their owners.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore new walking trails</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and discover new walking trails in your area. Your dog will love the change of scenery and you'll both get some exercise in the process.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a dog-friendly picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pack a picnic lunch and head to a local park or beach that allows dogs. Enjoy some quality time with your furry friend while enjoying a delicious meal together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a fun scavenger hunt for you and your dog to complete during National Walk Your Dog Week. This will add an element of excitement and challenge to your daily walks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate matching t-shirts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get crafty and decorate matching t-shirts for you and your dog to wear during National Walk Your Dog Week. This is a fun and creative way to show your love for your furry companion.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local animal shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time giving back to the community by volunteering at a local animal shelter during National Walk Your Dog Week. You'll get to spend time with adorable dogs in need while also getting some exercise with your own pup.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's good for your health and your dog's</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walking your dog is a great form of exercise for both you and your furry friend. It can improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress levels. Plus, it helps keep your dog physically fit and mentally stimulated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bonding time with your pet</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Walking your dog is a great opportunity to bond with them and strengthen the bond between you two. Dogs are social animals and crave human interaction, so taking the time to walk them regularly can deepen your relationship.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Exploring new places and socializing</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During National Walk Your Dog Week, try exploring new routes or parks with your dog. This allows them to experience different smells, sights, and sounds. It's also a chance for you to meet other dog owners and their furry companions, creating potential playmates for your dog.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Dogs Have a Sense of Time</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research has shown that dogs have an understanding of time, missing their owners more as time passes. Regular walks can help maintain their sense of routine.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Dog’s Sense of Smell is Remarkably Powerful</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dogs have 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only six million in humans. This makes walks an enriching sensory experience for them.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walking can Reduce Behavioral Issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>Regular walks can help to alleviate common behavioral issues in dogs, such as excessive barking or chewing, by providing mental stimulation and physical exercise.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Walking Can Foster Training Success</h3><p class='facts-content'>Walks are an optimal time to practice commands and leash skills with your dog. The diversity of environments provides plenty of real-life training scenarios.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Longevity and Health Benefits</h3><p class='facts-content'>A Dogs Trust study found that dogs who are overweight can have their lives shortened by up to two years. Regular walking helps manage a healthy weight, ensuring better longevity and overall health for your pet.</p></div></div>
National Walk Your Dog Week is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, National Walk Your Dog Week will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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