Going for a walk?

Have you ever wondered how many steps or how much time a dog needs to be truly happy?

A report in thesun.co.uk citing a poll of 1,800 dog owners reveals that a dog’s dream walk lasts an hour and seven minutes, includes 16 sniffing opportunities and features some water to splash in.

According to the study, the ideal outing takes place in open fields (53 percent), woodland (47 percent), or parks (42 percent), giving pets ample time to sniff lampposts, tree trunks and flowers.

Taking Lexie the Schnauzer and Grogu the Poodle for walks in our village down south, I often find myself asking out of habit, “Are we done yet?”

The research notes that an ideal walk should also include the chance to meet about three friendly canine companions along the way. Beyond socializing, there is so much more that draws a dog outside: birds flying by, cats to chase and the all-important “pee mail” where dogs leave messages for one another.

For my part, I focus on step counts, typically setting aside 5,000 steps for our walks — roughly 30 minutes. It is no wonder that when we get home, after a quick sip of water from their bowls, they still have enough energy to chase each other around the driveway.

The study, commissioned by Animal Friends Pet Insurance, further notes that owners want walks where their dogs are safe (55 percent), in quiet and uncrowded areas (37 percent), with wide-open spaces to run around (36 percent). The insurance company even created a map of the United Kingdom’s best dog-walking routes to help owners find secure, stimulating spaces.

That approach makes a lot of sense for village walkers here in Manila. Strolling through a village is a must, keeping us safe not only from speeding cars, but also from the occasional eccentric character on the streets.

Jen Hipwell, head of veterinary services at Animal Friends, points out: “Walks are one of the best parts of life with a dog — a chance to spend time together, explore somewhere new, and make the most of the summer safely. Every dog is different, so a great day out will look different depending on their age, breed, health, personality and confidence.”

“Make sure you check their feet once you get home,” adds veterinarian Dr. Gab. “There are so many things they can step on which you might not notice because you are in shoes.”

True to that advice, as soon as we make it home, I head straight to the water faucet to wash their paws, clear away dirt and check for any wounds.

The research also notes that beautiful scenery is key to an enjoyable walk, with 20 percent of respondents saying it makes a difference. True to my Pinoy roots, convenience also plays a major role: 33 percent of those surveyed favor routes close to home, while 14 percent appreciate having access to trash bins.

So, go ahead and take those walks. Just keep in mind that making the time counts — and if you want a genuinely happy furbaby when you get home, remember to budget over an hour, plenty of sniffing and a few friendly hellos along the way.