A monthly column for people who share their homes with four-legged friends.

My people have had a few challenges with me and the rest of my pack. We've not always been perfect canine citizens, although we're all good at heart. There was the time we got a little curious about what was behind the drywall. And there was the other time when we thought it would be a good idea to see how the sofa tasted. There's only one of us, however, who is truly a champion mischief-maker. The tales of Riley are the stuff of legends. He was a rescue who was separated from his dog mom way too soon, plus he's a Weimaraner … you get the picture (and it's not pretty). My people have hired trainers, read lots of books and tried everything imaginable, but Riley still has a long way to go. (It's a good thing he's cute.)

Recently, however, my people stumbled upon something so obvious and easy that they should have tried it years ago. It's working, and I want to share the results. It's something all dog owners should be doing each and every day. It's also something most people know, but it never hurts to offer a reminder. Lots of times, people start out with the best of intentions for their new puppy, only to see those intentions slide by the time the puppy is an adult.

You see, we live in the country, and a lot of country dogs don't necessarily go on regular walks with their people. There's lots of room to find a suitable spot, so when Mother Nature calls, it's hardly necessary to grab the leash. The problem is, however, that dogs need to be walked for lots of reasons other than the most practical one. Walking stimulates all of our senses and gives us an escape from the routine. It gives us a chance to feel useful, active, and close to our people. In other words, it keeps us from getting bored and creating things to do around the house. Walking also helps our people in countless ways: it's great exercise, it provides quality time to think and it gives them a chance to bond with us. It's a win-win for everyone.

You cannot imagine the difference a daily walk has made in Riley's behavior. Seeing how well Riley responded, my people decided to walk all of us. We're like new dogs! Of course, I'm not talking about short jaunts. I'm talking about a commitment – at least 30 minutes daily.

If you share your life with a dog and aren't walking together at all, or aren't walking for very long, please give this walking thing a try! Even if your dog is already perfect, you'll see the benefits. February is a great time to start down this path (bad pun intended). You can begin with brief strolls in the cold air. By spring, you'll both be in good enough condition to enjoy long, energetic walks in warm breezes.

Getting into a routine now also gives you a chance to quickly address any leash issues your dog may have. Some dogs who haven't been used to walking a lot have a tendency to pull or resist the leash. There are great tools to help with these problems, and results are fast. Consult a good pet supply shop and find out if products like a Gentle Leader, Halti, Easy Walk Harness or martingale could do the trick. Long before spring, you'll have a perfect exercise companion.

So put on comfortable shoes, watch your dog's eyes light up, and explore the great outdoors. It might be a little cold now, but there's nothing better for cabin fever or winter blues. And there's definitely nothing better for your four-legged friend!

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg and Fairfax.