According to world-renowned dog behavior specialist Cesar Millan, the only job today’s family dog may have to look forward to is going for a walk. If you are a loyal watcher of his National Geographic program “The Dog Whisperer,” you are aware of how every negative behavior a dog exhibits is corrected by long walks with the dog walker exhibiting a calm assertive attitude. Walking your dog can easily be last on your long list of chores, but I can personally promise you that if you make it a priority, everyone will benefit from this promenade.

Just like us, dogs need social interaction, physical exercise and mental stimulation. All of these needs can be met on a daily walk. Our canine friends actually want to spend time with us, no matter how bad our mood is. In fact, once you get in the habit of walking, your dog will be the first to tell you when it’s time to go and be very disappointed if you don’t. Walking your dog gives you a chance to practice basic obedience skills like heel and sit. It reinforces to the dog that you are the leader of the pack. Your dog will also be mentally stimulated during a walk as he explores the territory, even when on a leash. Alert to sights, smells and sounds of the neighborhood, your dog gathers information about how the territory has changed since his last walk.

Walking is the best way to exercise a dog that is limited to a small yard or confined to the inside of your home. It is also very good for an aging dog that may need encouragement to go for a walk but will quickly loosen up and take on the attitude of a young pup after a short stroll.

Meeting other people and their dogs along the way is important as well. Dogs are very social creatures and have a natural curiosity about new people or other dogs. Puppies should be encouraged to greet new people and animals so that they behave well when greeting new visitors in your home, or meeting other dogs or cats brought into their environment.

And as Cesar Millan preaches, walking your dog is the best way to prevent behavior problems like destructiveness, separation anxiety and other behavior disorders. Daily walks help to achieve balance between people and their dogs. If you’re struggling with house training a new dog, walk him after his meal. The physical exercise will encourage him to potty (be sure to praise him when he does), and teach him that this act of nature is best done outside of the house. Just be sure to keep walking after he goes so he won’t think that walk is automatically over once his “job” is done!

For me, there’s something about an evening walk that clears that cobwebs from my brain to allow fresh thoughts and ideas to form. I can only believe that walking also helps my dogs to refresh their minds as well. I know that we both sleep better for it.