Clock up 870 miles per year... by just walking the dog
DOG owners clock up an average of 870 miles a year walking their pet, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 people – half of whom have dogs – found those with a pet will walk more than 21 miles a week – covering almost 17 miles alone with their pooch.
In comparison, those without a dog to walk will travel less than 14 miles each week.
It also emerged that not only are they fitter, but almost half of dog owners believe having a four-legged friend has improved their overall mental health and reduced their stress levels. Gemma Cunningham, spokes- man for Lintbells, a manufacturer of natural joint supplements for pets which commissioned the research, said: “Dogs can be a great addition to the family and a real incentive to get out and spend some quality time with your family and friends.
“It’s great to see that the results of the survey show how much our dogs have a positive impact on their owner’s lives.
“It is important to take time out of your busy schedule to exercise – both for your own and your canine’s overall health and well-being.
“Just like humans, dogs are social beings and don’t welcome loneliness so getting out and exercising can be a perfect way to leading happier and healthier lives.” The study found the average pooch is taken on a walk an average of nine times a week, for 34 minutes on each occasion.
With each walk covering almost two miles, that means a total of around five hours a week – or 11 days a year – is spent just exercising the dog.
More than one-third of dog owners also said they walk further now than they did before getting their four-legged friend.
And three-quarters of non-dog owning adults wish they did more walking, with 46 per cent believing they would go out more if they had a pet to exercise.
It also found 23% of dog owners believe their pet has made them more sociable while 16% feel more connected to the community, with the average owner striking up two conversations with fellow dog lovers during each walk.
Dog walking is not always perfect though, as before pet owners even step outside the door there will be more than 100 family rows over “whose turn it is” to take the pooch out each and every year.
More than a third of dog owners also admit they try to pass the walk on to their children – an average of four times a month.
The survey, carried out via Onepoll. com, also found that although 92 % of dog owners enjoy walking man’s best friend, three in 10 blame poor weather for not get t i ng out more often.