Nebraska Humane Society: Daily walks improve dog behavior and health – wowt.com

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Dogs need daily walks to stay healthy and engaged, according to experts who say a lack of exercise can lead to unwanted behavior at home.
Dogs do not take responsibility for their own health. While owners are at work, dogs have the day to play and run around.
When owners return home, dogs often become energized and expect entertainment. Owners are encouraged to take charge and walk their dogs.
Dogs that bark excessively, chew, dig, run away or jump on people may be doing so out of frustration or boredom.
A bored dog with energy to burn will find ways to entertain herself, and those activities may not be welcome to owners. A walk is one way to address this.
All dogs share a common origin in the wolf. Dogs that become excited before a walk are displaying pack behavior similar to wolves working up adrenaline before a hunt. Wolves wander, hunt and eat, in that order.
Walking a dog before feeding fulfills the dog’s elemental drive to work for food.
Dogs use walks to learn their territory and leave evidence that they were there. A walk around the neighborhood allows a dog to identify, by scent, other animals in the area.
This keeps a dog’s mind active, which is considered as important to a dog’s health and happiness as physical exercise.
The Nebraska Humane Society will hold its annual walk and dog fest on Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on its meadow. Dogs can walk, sniff and explore during the event.
Attendees can visit dog-friendly vendors, enjoy concessions and a beer garden, and watch dog demonstrations. The event is free to attend, and donations to support the cause are welcome.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.

source