Thousands in Wales find peace and quiet on their daily dog walk

Mindfulness, a walk in the park? – thousands in Wales find peace and quiet on their daily dog walk

Dog owners across Wales are walking the dog – to get some peace and quiet, a study has found.

As well as exercising their pooch, 70 per cent believe this space is a vital de-stressing tool in the hustle and bustle of life, while time spent with mans’ best friend gives over three quarters of owners valuable thinking time.

The study of 2,000 dog owners also revealed 70 per cent in Wales see it as a chance to escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Over half claim the daily dog walk is the only point in the day they are guaranteed some peace and quiet, with almost half saying getting some regular ‘me time’ is the best part of their walk.

It emerged one in 10 dog owners have made a major life decision while out walking their pet, allowing them space to ‘mull over’ any problems or dilemmas they may be facing and finding a solution.

In line with this, 38 per cent of those surveyed in Wales have decided to move to a new house, while 8 per cent have taken the plunge and ended a relationship after making their mind up while out exercising their dog. Others have made the decision to change jobs, start their own business or even try for a baby.

Gemma Cunningham, brand manager for YuMOVE, which commissioned the research, said: “Walking the dog is one of the most important jobs as an owner. But while it is primarily for the benefit of the dog, it can also be beneficial for dog owners too.

“Getting away from everyday life for a bit while you go on a quiet stroll can give you some much needed time with mans best friend to clear your head and enjoy some time to yourself – something many can struggle to get otherwise.

“Not only is it good for your own health and wellbeing, but you can be safe in the knowledge that your beloved pooch is also going to be better off for it.”

The study found the average dog owner in Wales heads out on eight walks with their pet during the week, with each one lasting around 30 minutes, effectively providing four hours of thinking time per week for the walker.

More than three quarters say the opportunity to get outside and do some exercise at the same time as their pet is one of the best things about walking their dog, while nearly two thirds enjoy the opportunity of having quality time and bonding with their pooch.

It also emerged 73 per cent of dog owners believe their daily walk with their pet helps to improve their own physical health and another 64 per cent think it boosts their mood and mental health.

Rather than seeing it as a chore, a staggering 99 per cent of owners in Wales generally enjoy walking their dogs with 23 per cent saying they feel disappointed if they don’t get chance to go out as planned. Others feel guilty (48%), irritable (13%) and even sad (20%) when they don’t get to enjoy their daily dog walk.  Being outdoors (79%), meeting other dog owners (36%) and discovering new places (27%) are also among the reported benefits of walking the dog.

14 per cent also think walking the dog improves their relationship with their family and four in five also say their relationship with their dog has improved thanks to their regular walks.

While 60 per cent of the dog owners in Wales polled, via OnePoll, walk their dog alone, three in ten use it as an opportunity to go for a stroll with their partner while, 13 per cent take their children along.  As a result, 38 per cent say walking together has bought them more laughter and enjoyment, while 16 per cent say it has made them more trusting.  Others say they are now more honest with each other (11%) and also more supportive (20%).

Gemma Cunningham added: “It is clear there are several kinds of dog walkers who find different purpose and meaning in their daily walks. Whether it is to spend more time together with the family, get more exercise or simply find some peace and quiet, the walk can bring a wide range of benefits.

“While it is important to find time for ourselves in our busy lives, it is also important to consider whether the type of walk you take is right for your dog. We have developed a handy exercise calculator to work out how many miles your dog would be happy and comfortable walking to ensure you are keeping them happy and healthy for as long as possible.”

To find out what type of dog walker you are try out the dog walker quiz.

https://www.lintbells.com/pages/what-kind-of-dog-walker-are-you

Top 10 best things about walking the dog

1. Getting some exercise (77%)
2. Being outside (77%)
3. Playing and bonding with my dog (59%)
4. Getting some peace and quiet (58%)
5. Getting some time to myself (47%)
6. It puts me in a good mood (40%)
7. It’s a good way to start and finish the day (38%)
8. Meeting other dog owners (36%)
9. Spending some quality time with my family (31%)
10. Discovering new places (31%)

Top 10 life decisions to make while walking the dog

1. To move house (33%)
2. To apply for a new job (30%)
3. To start a new hobby (28%)
4. To leave my job (27%)
5. To end my relationship (25%)
6. To start up my own business (21%)
7. To get married (19%)
8. To try for a baby (19%)
9. To start a new relationship (18%)
10. To get divorced (13%)