Parents often tell their children that owning a dog is a lot of responsibility; they aren't kidding. Between the walks, the feeding, the grooming, and the visits to the vet, pet owners have good reason to compare their dogs to children. With all of the stresses of modern-day living, it can be easy to push long walks with the family pet aside in favor of finishing a work project or running errands But you may not realize the importance of walking your dog. Here are three reasons to grab that leash and head for the door.

1. Long walks can keep your dog in shape.

A sedentary lifestyle and a voracious appetite have the same effect on dogs as they do on humans - weight gain. As your pooch packs on the pounds, the list of potential health problems grows. Excess weight gain in a dog leads to heart disease, joint problems, and even diabetes. Daily exercise can build muscle mass and keep your dog's weight in check. But don't think that a quick stroll around the living room will help. It is important for a dog to get outside for exercise, not just for those crucial bathroom breaks but for the mental stimulation. By exploring different parts of your neighborhood - the parks, paths and sidewalks - your dog's mind will get a workout along with his feet.

2. Walking is one of the easiest ways for humans to stay in shape, too.

Everyone knows exercise is one of the keys to living a healthy life. But finding the time to fit exercise into a busy schedule can be difficult. Fortunately, those two fifteen-minute walks a day with your dog add up to a half hour of exercise. Walking your dog seven days a week gives you much more exercise than the minimum level of physical activity recommended by doctors - thirty minutes of exercise three times a week. All of this exercise lowers your risk of diabetes and some cancers, helps tone muscles, and gives you energy. Walking with your pet can also reduce stress levels; watching a dog roll in the grass is bound to make anyone smile.

3. Walking through the neighborhood allows you to connect with your community.

Nothing draws the attention of strangers quite like the determined gait of a dog. While your dog is appreciating the attention, you can introduce yourself to your neighbors. Although more people are moving to populated urban areas, a sense of community is often lacking in cities. Neighbors do not know each other; little shops and community centers remain unexplored. By taking your dog on a daily walk, you become a visible part of the community. You will learn about your neighbors and the areas around you, and your neighbors will come to know you and your dog.

In places where residents feel a strong sense of community, crime rates are lower. Neighbors look out for each other and help people in need. Walking your dog not only helps you and your family, it can help your community at large.

While you are out walking your dog, always remember to stay safe. Your dog should be kept on a leash, so you can control him if he gets too excited. Try to avoid areas with traffic in favor of parks and quiet residential streets If you are walking at night, wear bright or reflective clothing. And to foster those relations with neighbors, clean up after your dog. When it's gray or raining outside, you might be tempted to stay in and let your dog run around the backyard. But heading outside is good for you and your community - not to mention your dog.