in my line of work I get to speak to many people about their dogs and I occasionally hear people say that they do not walk their dog. They simply let the dog out into their backyard for potty breaks and fresh air. Sometimes if it is a small dog in an apartment, they let it do its business inside or on the balcony on pee pads.

Dog owners - listen up! A walk is more than a chance for your dog to have a potty break. Walks are one of the most important ways of caring for your dogs and vital for their well-being

Maybe its one of the reasons I always try to include a photo of people walking their dog in my photo sessions in Toronto.

Why are daily dog walks so vital?

• The most obvious reason - exercise. With exercise comes strong muscles and joints and helps your dog maintain a healthy weight, all leading to healthy aging and longevity.

• A walk provides the extremely important opportunity for sensory stimulation as dogs use all their senses as they enjoy their time outside. Sensory enrichment includes anything and everything that stimulates your dog's senses - sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. This keeps their lives interesting and prevents boredom.

• Daily walks will help with behavioral issues, by allowing them to channel any pent up energy or anxieties into exploring new surroundings and satisfying their physical and psychological needs. By preventing boredom, we can help the dog to to curb bad habits such as chewing and digging which are often a result of boredom.

• Walking your dog gives them the all important opportunity to sniff. While humans navigate their world primarily with their eyes, dogs use smell to “see” the world. In fact allowing them to sniff actually lowers anxiety and increases their mental health. In the words of well known canine behaviour specialist, Patricia Mc Connell: “Take your dog on a sniff. I’ve written before that dogs need autonomy to be truly happy. I’m arguing here that what they most need is the freedom to use their noses”

• A walk allows for socialization as the dog encounters other dogs on his or her walk. By introducing your dog to other dogs, you will teach your dog to be friendly and sociable. Remember, dogs are social animals who need to spend time interacting with other animals. Caveat: Some dogs may be leash aggressive. In this case you will need to work with a trainer on tips to overcome on-leash aggression. Always keep in mind your dog's need for his or her own space in these cases!

• Taking your dog on a daily walk builds a wonderful bond and trust between you.

• Daily walks offer a great opportunity to work on training, especially loose leash walking but also sits and stays.

Dog walks are vital for your pet's quality of life and long-term health, so get out there and enjoy this time for them but also for your own satisfaction. Need a break from work - walk the dog! Need some fresh air - walk the dog! Need some alone time (from people that is) - walk the dog!

I often describe a dog photography session as simply taking your dog on a walk with me but with frequent stops to take photos. If you would like to bring your dog on a walk with me while we capture great photographs and create timeless memories, contact me here and we can chat about your dog and your dog photography session. You can be sure you’ll be one of those with a “photo of people walking their dog in Toronto!”

Terri J Photography specializes in pet and people photography in Toronto, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and beyond. You can book a telephone consultation to chat about your own dog photo shoot.

On another note regarding walking your dog, I’ve always disliked the use of retractable leashes. Now my photographer friend has written a good article on that topic and it is worth a read! Retired dog trainer and Dallas pet photographer Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography gives you 5 great reasons to stop using a retractable leash when walking your dog.