Dogs provide their human companions with so many gifts. Time and again, our furry counterparts give us joy, comfort, company, and love, unconditionally and without pretext. Unfortunately, as much as we want to reciprocate this love, too often we become busy and entrenched in our own lives, forgetting the physical and emotional needs of our beloved pups. We forget that we constitute the whole of their world, and that they only see and experience what we allow them to explore. We may leave our happy hounds at home all day and come home too exhausted to take them out, but that means your dog spent their whole day in the confines of the same four walls. These confines can cause negative effects on your pup, such as anxiety, depression, and even physical ailment. Daily walks can combat these issues and have a number of benefits of their own.
Walks promote physical health and a healthy weight. Daily walks have a number of health benefits, including heart health, constipation relief, and weight management. In addition, walks keep dogs limber and can help with joint pain over time. They also ensure pets maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce risk of heart disease, high-blood pressure, and diabetes, among other ailments. All of these positive health benefits affect not only the pet, but the walker as well, and are equally beneficial to human health.
Walks improve emotional well-being. Regular walks reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and behavioral issues in pets. Walks also generally improve happiness and mood by allowing your pet to get exercise, see other parts of the world, and interact with new animals and humans. The same goes for the people who walk their pets, as walks can have the same emotional and social benefits for humans, particularly in regard to stress.
Contact Us
Daily dog walks are vital for the physical and emotional well-being of your pet. Unfortunately, because of the busy nature of life, owners may not be available to walk their dogs every day. This is where Walk! ATX can help. Our experienced dog walkers will handle your precious pup with care and will ensure a healthy and productive walk on the days you simply cannot take your dog yourself. If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment with one of our dog walkers or trainers, please contact Walk! ATX at (512) 655-9557 today.
Regular exercise is known to improve the health and overall happiness of dogs. It is also capable of improving behavior, for a multitude of reasons. If your dog has behavior issues, then making sure your dog gets regular, long walks could be a way to effectively address this problem.
Here are a few reasons why walks are linked to better behaving pets:
Release of excess energy – The saying “a tired dog is a good dog” holds a lot of truth. A long walk allows dogs to get rid of their extra energy, making it more likely for them to rest when they are at home. Behavioral issues related to overly active breeds or chewing often subside when dogs are tired.
Improving health – Much like humans, dogs can be cranky when they are not feeling their best. Dog walking can build a stronger core in your pet, preventing common health issues like arthritis. A dog that feels well is more likely to behave well.
Socialization – Dog walking allows for a controlled setting in which your pet is introduced to new settings, smells, sounds, people, and animals. Well-socialized animals typically lack aggressive behavior, as they are not overwhelmed and frightened by external stimuli.
Mental stimulation – Your dog may become bored without mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. Going on walks and presenting new situations and environments to your pup can help keep them entertained and mentally engaged.
Leash training – Using a leash is a great way to teach a pet some basic behavioral skills. Teaching your dog to become comfortable with a leash is a great first step in working with an unruly pet.
Contact an Experienced Austin Dog Walker
Regularly walking your pet is key to their health, happiness, and behavior. Finding the time to routinely walk your dog can be difficult, but Walk! ATX is here to help. From long walks to training, our Austin dog walkers can help improve your pet’s behavior keeping both them, and you, happy. To schedule an appointment, call (512) 655-9557 today.
With the incredible amounts of rain that Austin has received over the past few months, water levels are up in creeks, lakes, and swimming holes throughout the city. Not only is this good news for all of the people who live in Central Texas, but it’s also good news for dogs and dog owners who like to enjoy a nice swim.
Especially with summer’s scorching temperatures right around the corner, here are a few great spots to explore with your pup.
Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls
Austin’s Greenbelt is full of great scenic places to hike with your four-legged friend, and water is close by at nearly every trail turn. However, Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are two incredibly popular locations for people and their dogs to congregate. With water levels as full and fast as they are right now, be sure to keep a close eye on your dog if you decide to let him or her off-leash, as the water can be quite quick near the falls themselves.
Bull Creek
As its name suggests, Bull Creek’s hiking trails follow a cute, flowing creek with alternating depths of water for dogs that like to swim and those that just prefer to wade or splash around. While most of the official park is located on the eastern side of Loop 360, trails do continue west of 360 for a more isolated and quiet hiking and swimming experience.
Turkey Creek
Located just before the entrance to the Emma Long Recreational Area, Turkey Creek is a 2.5 mile hiking loop that offers hikers and their dogs a great workout and numerous clear, cool swimming holes. On the lower level of the hike, visitors are sure to appreciate the dense tree cover that provides cooling shade even on the hottest summer days. And when water levels are high as they are now, there is plenty of water in the creek to fill several large swimming holes located along the trails.
At Walk! ATX, we love getting out in Austin and letting your pups explore some of the best places to keep cool during Texas’ hot, summer months. To learn more about scheduling a hike for your pup in one of Austin’s great outdoor parks or trails, contact us today by calling (512) 655-9557.
If your dog has packed on a few pounds over the past few months, or has been carrying around some extra weight for a while, you may want to consider a 2016 weight loss resolution for your four-legged friend! While some people consider pudgy puppies to be adorable, the truth of the matter is that obesity is just as much of a danger to dogs as it is to humans.
Obesity is actually a very real problem among dogs; according to a recent survey of veterinarians, these professionals believed that 97% of obese canines got that way as a result of the care they received from their owners. Whether this is in the form of over-feeding, giving too many treats, or not providing enough exercise, the fact remains – many dog owners can do more to help their dogs lead a healthier lifestyle.
Problems Caused by Canine Obesity
Being overweight can lead to numerous adverse health effects in dogs, including, but not limited to:
- Breathing Problems
- Arthritis / Joint Problems
- Liver Disease
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
Just like in humans, obesity can cause both short- and long-term consequences in pets. Fortunately, there are many things that you as a dog owner can do to help improve your pet’s quality of life and help see that he or she is healthy.
Tips for Helping Your Pup Shed Some Pounds
By changing just a few aspects of your dog’s lifestyle, you can help make vast improvements in his or her life and overall health. A few easy tips you can incorporate into your routine include:
- Healthy Snacks – While the beef treats and bully sticks you normally gave your pet might have been their favorite, these treats can also be extremely unhealthy. So if you still want to give your pup a few bites in between meals, or if you’re working on training and need a reward, opt for something healthy! Many human vegetables, like steamed green beans or cooked pumpkin, can make a great snack and you’ll still feel like you’re giving your dog something special. Make sure to check any human foods to ensure they are safe for dog consumption before you start feeding your pup off the table or out of the pantry.
- Follow the Guidelines on their Food – All bags of dog food will have a recommended feeding guide based on a dog’s size, and the amount of food you feed your pet will vary greatly from food to food. Make sure to always check these instructions when you switch foods or brands, and don’t just assume that you should keep feeding your dog the same amount that you used to.
- Stay Strong – If your pup is used to getting treats in between meals or scraps from the table, he or she will likely continue begging for something special, even though you are trying hard to help him or her lose weight. Stay strong, resist those sad puppy eyes, and know that you’re making decisions based on your dog’s greater needs, rather than an in-the-moment feeling.
- Increase Exercise – Even if you just add a quick turn around the block once a day, increasing your dog’s exercise regimen by even a little can have tremendous benefits for your dog’s health, and yours too! Even if you feel like you have no free time, start small, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to fit 15 minutes of walking every day into your schedule. From there, you can increase your walks to longer adventures if you want or need to.
Get Help from the Team at Walk! ATX
If you are pressed for time and are worried that your dog is not getting the exercise he or she needs, our experienced team of dog walkers here at Walk! ATX is here to help! We can make sure your dog gets a great workout in a time-frame that fits your busy schedule, so call us today at (512) 655-9557 and learn more.
Going to the vet can be an incredibly scary experience for any pet, especially if it’s their first time. The sounds and overwhelming number of smells that your dog is likely to encounter in a vet’s office can easily frighten even the most confident pup. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help make your dog’s trip to the veterinarian’s office as easy on him/her, and on you, as possible.
Expose Your Pet to the Building
If you know the office that your pet will be visiting for his/her veterinary appointments, a great idea is to help acclimate your pet to this environment by doing a few test visits before your pup even sees a doctor. For example, you might drive by the vet’s office, walk into the waiting room, give your pup some treats, and then leave a minute later. This will help your pet begin to associate the office and all of its smells with a purely positive experience. If your pet is social with people, you may want to ask any vet techs or veterinary assistants who aren’t busy with other clients if they wouldn’t mind giving your dog a treat and a quick pet to help reinforce the positive experience.
Handle Your Dog as Much as Possible at Home
Even if you regularly pet and snuggle your pup, the fact is that your dog will be handled in ways that are very uncommon during their vet appointment. As such, you may want to slowly and gently get your pet used to such handling while he or she is in the comfort and security of their own home. To start, join your pet on the floor or another location where they feel comfortable and slowly, gently start to handle their paws. You can just pick their paws up off of the ground, feel their pads, and touch their nails. Immediately treat your pet if they react positively. If your pet seems at all uncomfortable, give him or her some space and do not proceed. You can then move on to lift your pets ears and lips as if you were performing an exam. If your pet is still comfortable, you can press on their belly and continue to treat for good behavior.
Remember: A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog
The day of your pet’s appointment, you should make sure to thoroughly exercise your pet before heading to the vet’s office. The more tired your dog is, the more likely it is that he or she will be relaxed while at the vet’s office.
At , we know that preparing your pet for unfamiliar experiences can be a stressful experience, and we are here to help you and your pet prepare for all of life’s adventures. If you would like to learn more about the services and training that we offer, contact our Austin dog walkers and trainers today by calling (512) 655-9557.
This week, the city of Austin will be holding its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with an impressive fireworks display. Unfortunately, fireworks can be a huge source of anxiety for many dogs. Pet owners who don’t live near the official festivities should still take note of the dangers posed by fireworks, as many individuals are likely to set off fireworks in residential areas around the city, despite an official ban.
The stress that results from fireworks can be enough to make otherwise well-behaved dogs act out in anxiety; in some cases, dogs may attempt to escape yards that are normally secure in an effort to run away from the loud noises. Here are a few tips you can put to good use to make sure that you do everything you can to keep your pet healthy, safe, and secure this New Year’s Eve.
Keep Your Pups Inside
Even if your pet is normally an “outside dog,” New Year’s Eve is a great night to break routine. The loud and startling sounds of fireworks frequently cause dogs to look for any escape route necessary, including digging under seemingly secure fencing; therefore, inside is the safest place for your pup to be on this special night.
However, just because your dog is inside doesn’t mean that he or she won’t still be scared. As such, consider crating your dog if he or she is crate trained to help them feel more secure. Additionally, you might want to leave a television or radio on with the volume turned up to hopefully drown out the sounds of any fireworks going on outside.
Make Sure Your Dog is Tired
Wearing out your dog is a great way to help him or her get through the stress that can accompany fireworks. The more energy your dog has stored up, the more energy they can put into feeling anxious. However, if you make sure your dog is well-exercised and tired, you can increase the likelihood of them sleeping through the commotion!
Make Sure Your Dog is Wearing a Collar and Microchipped
In the unfortunate event that your pet does get out, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to get back to you, and nothing is more helpful in this regard than making sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated contact information.
Additionally, make sure your dog is microchipped and that their information is up to date. If your dog isn’t microchipped, you can get a free microchip and/or ID tag for your pup from the Austin Animal Center between 11 am and 7 pm!
Contact an Austin Dog Walker with Walk! ATX
If you are looking for someone to help wear your pup out as you usher in the New Year, contact the dog walkers and pet sitters at Walk! ATX. Our experienced team knows just what it takes to make sure your pet is happily tired, so give us a call today at (512) 655-9557 to set up an appointment.
Many dog owners are unaware that pups are sensitive to stressful situations and often feel anxiety. Young and old dogs alike will exhibit indicators that they are in need of exercise and a routine to help alleviate their stress. Destructive behaviors such as accidents in the house, barking, chewing, and irritability may be signs that your dog requires more routine in his or her life.
Early Training
Dogs enjoy having a purpose. In fact, many dog breeds were specifically bred to perform a job, such as hunting or herding other animals. As such, depending on the type of dog you have, your dog may feel anxiety or stress due to boredom or lack of having a “job” to do. A great way to help with this problem is to enroll your dog (and yourself!) in obedience classes. Working with your dog as a team to perform tricks and obey commands can help your overall communication and relationship. Training your furry friend also helps keep their mind sharp and healthy while also making them feel as if they are fulfilling a purpose.
Scheduled Dog Walks
For some people, going to the gym every day is how they relieve stress. Your dog may be exhibiting unruly behavior to communicate that they are in need of a similar exercise routine! Dogs are happiest when they have a regular routine with some variety mixed in, and one of the best ways to establish this is through scheduled walks and daily exercise. This can help your puppy stay consistently happy and healthy.
For pet owners who work during the day, scheduling a consistent walking or training routine may be difficult. Fortunately, at Walk! ATX, our experienced and caring trainers and dog walkers are able to keep your pet exercised and happy through our individualized programs specialized to meet your and your pup’s unique needs. Call us today at (512) 655-9557 for more information on the pet services we offer!
While a slightly, or even very, overweight dog might seem funny and cute, the truth is that being overweight can endanger your pup’s health and put him or her at risk of suffering a range of health problems. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to monitor your best friend’s health and help him or her lose weight if need be.
How to check your pet’s weight
There are several ways you can check your pet’s weight. The most obvious is to use a scale. If you have a small dog, you can weight yourself first, then pick up your pet and subtract your weight from your combined weight to find out the weight of your pet. If you have a bigger dog, most veterinary offices are happy to let people come in just to use their scales. Additionally, you can do a spot check on your dog by feeling for his or her ribs. If your pet is at a healthy weight, you should be able to easily locate / feel the dog’s ribs, with just a thin layer of fat separating their skin from these bones. If you have trouble feeling the dog’s ribcage, chances are the pet is overweight.
Helping your dog lose weight with exercise
One of the best ways to help your pup lose weight is to keep them active! Adding a run, a long walk, a session of fetch, or a hike to their daily routine can be a great and safe way to help your pup reach a healthy weight. It’s likely you will notice other behavioral benefits of working out your pup as well. If you don’t have the time to give your dog at least 30-60 minutes of activity every day, consider working with a professional dog walker who can help make sure your pet gets the exercise he or she needs.
Helping your dog lose weight with food
It’s hard to say “no” to a sweet puppy face begging for food, but unfortunately, this is how many people end up over-feeding their dogs. Talk to your vet about how much of your chosen food your pup should actually eat, and stick to that. Additionally, some dog food brands offer specific blends that are targeted towards dogs that are trying to lose weight. You should also make sure you take it easy on the treats – while delicious, treats like rawhides and bully sticks have a lot of fat, and giving these to your dog too frequently can contribute to his or her weight problems.
Call Walk! ATX to make sure your pups get the exercise they need!
At Walk! ATX, we are committed to helping make sure your dog is as happy and healthy as possible. Call us today at (512) 655-9557 to learn more about the full range of services our Austin dog walkers are ready to offer!
Your dog is your best friend and part of your family, so it is important to keep their mind and body as healthy as possible. From small Chihuahuas to Great Danes, our pups need consistent exercise to keep them in tip top shape. A quick way to determine how much exercise your dog needs is by their size or breed.
Hounds, Herding, and Sporting Dogs
These types of dogs are high energy breeds due to their original breeding purposes. These high intensity breeds need at least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. It is even better for your dog if they could have this amount of play time twice a day. Not only will this keep your dog in shape, it will also keep them out of trouble. Since these breeds were meant for hard work, they can get bored easily and find ways to entertain themselves that are sometimes not the best–cue chewed up socks! Fortunately, this also means that they are intelligent and will enjoy working their brains through obedience training just as much as physical exercise!
Terriers and Toy Breeds
Terriers can range vastly in size, however they share the same bouncy and high energy traits. While they need a steady amount of exercise, the majority of terriers can get a substantial amount of their exercise while in the backyard. You should still be spending at least 60 minutes a day exercising your pup. Toy breeds can get their needed exercise in smaller spaces as well. Smaller dogs are often overlooked as needing exercise, putting them at risk of obesity and health problems later in life. Setting time aside to walk or play with your dog on a regular basis can help alleviate and prevent health problems.
Let Walk! ATX Help You
At Walk! ATX, we know that work and family can sometimes get in the way of giving your pup all the exercise he or she needs. Give us a call today at (512) 655-9557 and let us help you with our Austin dog walking and basic training services!
In a dog friendly city like Austin, Texas, we want to be able to bring our pets into public confident that they will behave appropriately. This is why etiquette training on the leash is such an important skill for a puppy or adult dog to have.
The command “heal” is one of the five basic commands that most dogs learn. However, precision healing takes a lot of consistent work to pay off. Most dogs are excitable and enjoy the outdoors. Some pets like to sprint ahead of their owners, pulling on their leashes while other dogs like to stop and sniff their surroundings every few steps. So how can these behaviors become curbed in favor of more publicly appropriate conduct?
Use an Award System
The most basic approach involves a lot of treats and awards for the dog. By using a short leash and an award system for not pulling every couple of steps, the dog associates walking next to their owner as a positive experience. Small, peanut sized treats are the most popular choice of reward since the dog can quickly enjoy them and continue to learn.
Walk at a Quick Pace
Some dogs can have low attention spans. When they walk more quickly, they are less distracted by the sights and smells around them and can better focus on their owner. This encourages the dog to listen to direction rather than sniffing around.
Final Note
Consistency is the most important element of leash training. It’s important that while a dog is learning to heal that all walks are considered an educational experience. These training walks should be taken frequently but for brief periods of time.
At Walk! ATX, we have experience working with all types of pups. If you are interested in leash etiquette training, give us a call today at (512) 655-9557 to learn more about our dog walking and basic training services!