Agility World  -  Walking the Dog, How Often?

Dogs are meant to be our best friends... But lazy Brits are putting their pet’s life at risk – because they can’t be bothered to walk them, according to new research commissioned by esure insurance. A whopping 21 per cent of people questioned have admitted to NEVER taking them out for exercise relying on the run of the house and back garden.

The average pet owner walks their dog twice a day, but those who do take their dog out aren’t doing enough to keep them fit as 13 per cent say they know they don’t walk them far enough. Another 15 per cent could also be falling behind as they don’t actually have a clue how far they actually need to walk their four–legged–friend. But the poll, by esure Pet Insurance, revealed that the main reason so many canines are being denied a daily walk is simply because 15 per cent of owners don’t want to take them out unless it is nice weather. Another one in ten just can’t ever be bothered to walk them. The average dog owner takes their pet on two 32 minute long walks, totalling around 3.28 miles a day
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Ian Anderson BVM&S MRCVS of the Robson Veterinary hospital said: "Each dog needs a different amount of exercise according to their breed, age and health. A healthy collie may require an hour and a half of walks daily, while a greyhound would be happy with two 20 minute runs. It is crucial to walk your dog for the correct amount every day and if you are not sure speak to your vet.  A well exercised dog will lead a full and healthy life. We know a sedentary lifestyle damages human health and it will also be detrimental to your dog. Taking your dog out for regular exercise will benefit both owner and pet."

The poll of 1,300 dog owners also revealed that those in the south east are the worst when it comes to taking out their beloved pets while Scots are the best. However, although 22 per cent of people say they enjoy walking the dog because they find it relaxing, almost a quarter say there are constant arguments in their house about whose turn it is to take the dog out. Almost one in five parents are so desperate to get out of walking the dog, they pay their children on average an extra £1.50 pocket money for taking the pet out instead. And six per cent regularly hire a dog walker to relieve themselves of the job, spending an average of £8.59 a month.

Not everyone thinks walking the dog is a chore though as, of those who do walk their pet, more than one in five enjoy getting into the open air with their pet and 32 per cent say it is good as it allows them to exercise at the same time. Eight per cent have even gone on a date or had a relationship with someone they met while out walking their pet. Others use walking the dog as an excuse to hide something from their family with five per cent admitting to using their pet as an excuse to have an affair. A whopping 17 per cent also offer to walk the dog so they can have a sneaky cigarette without their partner finding out.

Jacky Brown, Head of esure Pet Insurance said: "We are shocked that people are reluctant to walk their dogs as it is an important part of dog ownership benefiting both you and your pet pooch. If you haven’t got enough time or energy, you need to find another way of making sure your dog goes for its walk even if it means paying your children extra pocket money or employing a dog walker."

REGIONS WHO WALK THEIR PET THE MOST 

1. Scotland
2. North East
3. Ireland
4. South West
5. North West
6. London
7. Midlands
8. Wales
9. South East

Our thanks to esure for allowing us to use this information.