If you’re a pooch parent, chances are you sometimes let your dog out into the yard instead of taking him for a walk — especially in bad weather. But before you do it again, think about how it deprives your buddy.

Dogs need exercise and they’re unlikely to get it by themselves. Once in the yard, they’re more apt to just lie down.

Our canine companions also need mental stimulation — the kind they get from seeing and sniffing new things. They also crave companionship — especially with us.

Dogs that aren’t walked have a greater risk of depression and anxiety —and often other health problems too.

So next time you’re tempted to just open the back door, think about how much you’ll both get out of taking a walk together.