Dogs Keep You Moving — and Smiling
Dogs get you moving — daily walks strengthen your body, calm your mind, and boost your routine.
1 min read
Owning a dog brings joy — and it’s great for your health, too. Regular dog walks can increase your activity levels, boost mood, and create a sense of daily purpose.
Benefits of dog ownership:
- Encourages daily walks and active routines
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
- Offers companionship and emotional support
- Increases social connection through shared dog activities
- Supports heart health and emotional wellbeing
No dog? Consider volunteering at a shelter or walking a neighbour’s pet — you’ll gain the movement and connection without full-time responsibility.
Related guides
- GuideActive hobbies, weekends and holidaysWalking and dancing are good hobbies to start with. Plan weekends and trips around short, realistic blocks of activity you enjoy, put them in your calendar, and build up gradually. Activity of any length counts, and weekends can also hold longer or different activities.
- GuideMoving more at workMoving more at work can mean walking or standing meetings, workplace programmes and step challenges. Each can raise activity somewhat, but gains may fade, so pick what suits you and plan what you'll keep doing. Any activity counts, and starting small is fine.
- GuideActive commutingYou don't have to walk or cycle the whole way to work. Walk the last stretch, park further away or get off public transport a stop early, and build up gradually. Activity on the way to work counts towards your weekly amount, and an e-bike can be an easier way into cycling.
- GuideIncidental movement and errandsYou can add activity without setting aside exercise time: take the stairs, walk part of a trip, and put some effort into chores. Replacing sitting with movement of any intensity helps, and starting small and building up is enough.
- GuideActivity snacks and short boutsActivity of any length counts, so a few minutes here and there is a real start. Activity snacks are short bursts of movement, usually 1 to 5 minutes, fitted into your day. Start with small amounts, build up gradually, and split activity into whatever pieces suit you.
- GuideSitting lessThere's no set number of hours to aim for. Break up long stretches of sitting with short moves, about every 30 minutes if that suits you, and choose one or two specific changes. A desk or an app can help, but both are optional.
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