Reading Your Dog's Needs
Humans take words for granted. If any of us need to take a break at the office or at home we can simply say, “I need to stretch my legs for a few minutes.” Unfortunately, dogs don’t have the same luxury. Here are a few tips to help you know when your dog needs to be walked:
Is it time for them to be walked? Dogs form habits very easily, so your dog will get excited around their usual walk time. Dogs can become anxious if their schedules are altered. If your dog makes a beeline straight to you when you get home, it means they're feeling very emphatic about telling you something. It probably means your dog needs to go for a walk. Dogs are tense when they walk in direct, straight lines and relaxed when taking curving paths toward their goal.
If your dog has recently put on weight, extending the length of their walk or adding a walk to their schedule is a great way to help your dog lose weight.
Has your dog been having accidents? This may be a sign that your dog needs more walks throughout the day.
If your dog is displaying an anxious posture and looking at you with whale eyes (large, circular-shaped eyes with their whites exposed), this means your dog is very tense. If your dog is standing near the door or alternating their gaze between you and the door, your dog is most likely telling you they feel tense because they desperately want to go outside.
Conversely, your dog may try to show you they need to go out by getting very excited. If your dog trembles, keeps going into “play bow” posture or becomes extremely rowdy, your dog is probably trying to tell you they need to get out of the house and burn off some energy.
Puppies often touch their noses or touch their paws to their mothers when they need something. If your dog keeps putting their paw on your knee or keeps touching you with their nose, your dog is trying to tell you they need something. That thing they need? It may be a walk.
Those are some simple ways to tell if your dog needs your attention. Remember that your dog will be less anxious and behave well if they’re walked and getting enough exercise. Some dogs may even bring the leash to you to signalize that they want to go outside!
