Why Dogs Are the Best Outdoor Companions (And What Science Says About It)

If you've ever taken your dog on a trail, a bike ride, or a long walk through the mountains, you already know something science is only now catching up  
to: dogs don't just come along for the adventure. They make the adventure better.                                                                        
At BERT, we know this firsthand. Our shoe brand was born because of a dog, a street dog from Medellín named Berta, who ran alongside our founder on the trails and streets of Colombia and changed how we think about footwear and outdoor movement. Every BERT sold contributes 5% to spay and neuter programs for street dogs in Colombia.
                                                                                                                                                  Here's what the research says about why dogs are the best outdoor companions, and why bringing yours on your next adventure is one of the best decisions you can make.

Dogs Reduce Stress....Measurably

A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending time outdoors with a dog measurably reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and calm. The effect was stronger outdoors than indoors, and stronger in motion than at rest.
                                                                                                                                                    That feeling you get when you reach a viewpoint with your dog panting happily beside you isn't just a feeling. It's biology.

You Move More...A Lot More

Dog owners walk an average of 23 minutes more per day than people without dogs, according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Physical Activity & Health. Over a week, that's nearly three extra hours of movement. Dogs are the most effective accountability partner you'll ever have, and they never cancel because it's raining.  

You Actually Notice Where You Are

A 2019 study in Anthrozoös found that people walking with dogs spend more time noticing their surroundings, pausing, observing, engaging with the environment, than solo walkers. Dogs stop at things. They pull toward interesting smells. They force you to slow down.
                                                                                                                                                  For bikepackers and long-distance hikers, this sounds like a small thing. It isn't. The best moments on a trail are the ones you almost walked past.

You Meet People You Wouldn't Otherwise    

Research from the University of Western Australia found that dog owners are 60% more likely to meet new people while out on walks and outdoor activities. Dogs are social accelerants, they give strangers a reason to stop, interact, and connect. Anyone who has ridden a remote road in Colombia with a local dog jogging alongside them knows exactly what this means.

Your Immune System Gets Stronger  

Exposure to a dog's diverse microbiome, particularly outdoors where dogs are in contact with everything, has been shown to strengthen immune response in humans. A 2016 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found ongoing exposure to dogs correlates with lower rates of allergies and stronger immune function. Your dog isn't dirty. They're doing you a favor.                                                                                            

 The Dog Behind BERT

BERT shoes started on the streets of Medellín, Colombia, where street dogs run alongside cyclists on the mountain roads outside the city. Our founder's dog Berta was one of them, a street dog who became a trail companion and eventually the inspiration behind a shoe built for the moments around outdoor movement.                                                                                                                                                
Every pair of https://thebertshoe.com/collections/all sends 5% to spay and neuter programs for street dogs in Colombia. Because the best outdoor companions deserve to be taken care of.

Share your outdoor dog adventures with us on Instagram @thebertshoe we'd love to see where your dog has taken you.                                     
   

Final Thoughts: Why Dogs + Outdoors = A Perfect Match

From improving your health and happiness to forging unforgettable memories, dogs are the ultimate outdoor companions. They’re always up for an adventure, always ready to share the moment—and always, always loyal. So whether you’re hitting the trails or simply taking in the sunrise, bring your dog along. You’ll both come back stronger, happier, and with more stories to tell.

And don’t forget: at BERT, we’re here to help you enjoy those outdoor moments in comfort and style. So lace up your BERTs, leash up your pup, and go create some new memories together.

Ready to explore with your dog? Share your favorite outdoor dog adventures in the comments below, we’d love to hear your stories!