Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound: Advantages of Dog Walking

The International Association of Humane Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) president is Rebecca Johnson, director of human/animal interaction University of Missouri. Johnson, also the author of “Walk A Hound Lose a Pound.”

Listen HERE – from Steve Dale’s Pet World, as Johnson explains the many benefits of simply walking a dog.

– Neighborhood with many people walking dogs are perceived as friendlier, more congenial and safer. Where there are many people walking their pups, property values may even increase. Police are happier with lots of eyes and ears out all the time. Johnson says, “social capital increases.”

– With a dog at the other end of the leash, you might meet people you otherwise wouldn’t.  These days, people don’t say ‘hi’ to one another.

– Just looking at a dog causes a release in oxytocin (makes you feel good).

– It is simply healthy to walk, for your benefit and your dog’s.

By the way, if your dog is will you, at the other end of the leash – no worries about coyote attacks.

The IAHAIO meeting coming next will be in Chicago at the June Convention of the American Veterinary Medical Association. International experts and researchers on human/animal interactions and relationships will come together.