As you probably know, dogs and wolves are closely related. Although for a time people wondered whether jackals and coyotes also contributed to the mix, recent genetic testing has shown that most if not all domesticated dogs, from the Great Dane to the toy Chihuahua, all descend from the gray wolf.

And for that reason, you’ll see many of the wolf’s habits and behaviors show up in your dog, although many of your dog’s wolfish instincts have (fortunately!) been blunted.

Still, one similarity between dogs and wolves that’s going strong is their love of traveling long distances. Most dogs, excepting those that have been radically downsized or otherwise altered by breeding, have the energy and strength to run for 15 miles a day!

Many of our dogs don’t get enough walking to burn off all of their doggy energy. When this happens, their vitality can come out in ways we consider destructive, such as incessant barking, chewing, becoming an escape artist or digging in the backyard. As Einstein taught us, all energy must go somewhere!

Whether you like to take your dog off or on the leash, walking and running is the most common and universal way of bonding with and exercising your dog. Like many human-dog activities, this one is excellent for both of you.

Just adding a mile or two to your daily routine can result in big health benefits, and your dog will love it. Another nice side effect of walking your dog is that lets you meet people around the neighborhood. Sometimes you might even meet people willing to form a “dog play group.”

When you’re walking your dog, be sure to be a good dog-owning citizen. Try to make sure he doesn’t relieve himself on the neighbor’s lawn. The best way to do this is to make sure he goes potty at home before you start your walk. If your walk begins in an area crowded with other people and traffic, keep him on his leash until you get to a quieter area, no matter how well behaved he is.

Some people don’t enjoy walking their dogs because their dogs pull too hard on the leash. Walking isn’t going to be any fun for you if your dog is dragging you down the street, barely in control and causing you real risk of injury.

If you’re new to dealing with dogs, know that you’ll have to be stubborn and patient to overcome this problem. The technique that works best for most dogs is to stop cold and stand there when they start pulling hard. Since dogs love forward motion, they’ll hate all the standing and eventually get the message. (This is a great way to get your kids to stop yelling in the car, too.)

If you’re willing to confront any behavioral problems your dog shows during a walk, you’re both sure to enjoy the experience much more. Walking your dog should be the type of thing you both look forward to — and something that feels terrific when you’re done, so that you both sink down in a chair or on a rug, endorphin rushes in full swing, and think, why don’t we do this more often?