For many dog owners, walking the dog is one of the biggest reasons for owning a dog. It's great fun to take long lonely walks with a companion that isn't human. The pleasure it gives our pets is an added bonus. Walking round an inner city park with a dog is a great way to meet other people and form friendships that exclude awkward social customs. If you are an older owner, it gives a good reason to get out in the fresh air and include a daily walk in what may be a solitary life style, not to mention the health benefits. The dog is also enjoying the walk but on a different level.
For the dog the walk fulfills a social interaction. Loved dogs, who are essentially pack animals, a walk will allow it to leave “messages” or urine markings as to its presence in the area. These messages are then read by other dogs in the area. Male dogs in particular cock their leg in order to place their urine as high as possible on upright surfaces, trees are very obliging and so most popular. This will cover up the marks of other dogs and, therefore, raise their own status. Females, too, are known to attempt to place their urine against vertical surfaces to show others both their presence and position. Females in season will often urinate more frequently in outside areas in order to proclaim their physical state and willingness to mate.
Cat owners miss out on physically walking their pets, but can still enjoy interacting with their pet through exercise. Kittens are extremely playful and enjoy pawing balls of wool and chasing imaginary mice. Although a cat is not as reliant on the company of humans as most dogs are, they still do benefit from contact with other cats and being with people for at least part of its day. A scratching post is a great way of keeping your cat in good physical condition. Scratching helps tone the muscles in the cats back and shoulders.
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