I have so many conversations with clients about how pressured they feel to walk their dogs. We seem to have gotten ourselves into a place of societal expectation where we think our dogs need a good walk, covering a certain about of miles, twice a day! And that is the way it should be!
Let's take the pressure off. Not every dog needs that, and a lot of the time, that can do more harm than good.
Take a look below at the different types of walks you can go on with your dog. Pick and choose from them to match what your dog needs. Use a variety of them to vary up your week and meet your dog's needs.
Types Of Dog Walks
Decompression Walks
I am going to start with decompression walks as theses are the most under-rated, but most effective types of walks. Decompression walks are where you go on the type of walk - whether that's location based or activity based that are TRULY relaxing for your dog.
These walks give dogs a chance to take a breather, relax and feel enriched. It needs to be something that our dogs find enriching and not what we assuming is enriching for them. It usually includes a mixture of activities that your dog loves best.
After a decompression walk, you dog should feel settled and relaxed when you get back home. Be aware that a decompression walk, may not involve walking at all!
Hikes and Long Walks
Absolutely, for some dogs, covering ground and getting the chance to stretch their legs is an important part of their welfare. Not all young active dogs need this but these types of walks can sometimes be key, especially for breeds like Border Collies and Spaniels who are capable of covering big distances.
Remember that even with these long walks, its not all about just walking forwards and covering as much ground as possible. Most of these active dogs were bred to work and they need mental enrichment as well as physical - are you meeting all of their needs on these walks or at least at other points during the week?
Sniffari Walks
These are my favourite. No matter the breed, age, exercise requirements or behaviour problems, sniffari walks (done properly) are highly beneficial for everyone.
Sniffari walks take away the conventional meaning of a walk and focus on exploring the world at your dog's pace with a main focus on sniffing. These walks can be long or short but the point is - LET YOUR DOG SNIFF! If your dog wants to sniff the same tree for 5 minutes, let them.
This is also a fantastic option for dogs who pull excessively on lead. Pop them on a long line or hire a private field and just let them sniff. You don't have to cover much ground. Its amazing how much it slows them down.
Sniffari's are also fantastic for tiring your dog out - the healthy way - and can be brilliant for stressed dogs, old and injured dogs and young puppies.
Choice-based Walks
Let's be honest, our dogs don't get a lot of choice. We decide when, how and where they eat, sleep and toilet. Even on their outings, we decide where they go, what they do and most of the time, they are attached to us on a funny lead thingy.
Offering your dog choice on a walk can help them to take a bit more ownership over what happens to them but it can also tell you a lot about what they need.
We can do this safely by doing things like:
asking them which way they want to go (if safe to do so).
letting them sniff for as long as they would like.
offering the chance to go home or back to the car.
letting them stand and watch if they need to.
Have a go at popping your dog on a long line and then just following them! You never know what you might discover together.
Social Walks
For some dogs, social walks - either with other people or other dogs can be an enriching and enjoyable experience. Social walks offer a chance for play, companionship and forming relationships with other dogs.
Sometimes this looks like play, but sometimes it can just be walking alongside each other. Again, it depends on what your dog enjoys. Remember, what might seem enjoyable to you might not be enjoyable for your dog!
Staying At Home
Truly, sometimes not going for a walk at all is the best thing you can do for your dog. There are so many reasons why not taking your dog for a walk might be a good idea:
they are in pain.
they find walks overwhelming.
there are scary things in the environment like thunder or hot air balloons.
you dog has had a busy few days and needs some rest.
they are old and don't need a walk every day.
they are a young puppy and need a day to catch up on sleep.
Of course exercise is an important part of our dog's well-being BUT a day off a walk never hurt anyone and I see so many of my clients and their dogs benefit from it.
Making Walks With Your Dog Successful
Grab your FREE guide to successful walks with your dog. Have a think about how you can incorporate the above to make your whole week just that little bit more enjoyable.
Exercise is an important part of your dog's welfare. Ask you vet if you are concerned about how much exercise your dog should be getting. Try not to get stuck in the rut of 'I must do this walk with me dog and they must do it twice a day'. Our dog walks can be so much more enjoyable for both them and for us.
If you need any help at all with your dog or would like more help and advice, please do contact us by dropping us an email at bookings@annabalchdogtrainer.com
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