Top Tips for More Enjoyable Dog Walks
People often see dog walks as another chore to be done. However, dog walks should be FUN- for both you and your dog!
Here are some simple things you can try to make walks with your dog more enjoyable for both of you…
1. Put your phone away!
So often I see people walking their dogs while on their phone or listening to their headphones. I used to do this too because I always want to stay on top of my messages!
However, dog walks should be something you do together with your dog. It’s an opportunity for bonding and spending time with each other.
It’s also better for your own mental health to put your phone away and enjoy your walks. Take in your surroundings, listen to the nature and engage with your dog- you will both get a lot more from your walks if you do them together.
2. Doggy Parkour
I often challenge myself to see what I can use in my normal walking environments to make walks even more fun.
For example, we have been using hand rails in our local park as weave poles! I have been asking my dog to go around trees. I have been asking him to jump up on tree stumps.
What can you find along your usual routes that you can use?
3. Plan Ahead
Think about where you are going for your walk. Is it going to be very busy? Is it enclosed? How distracting will it be for your dog?
What mood are both you and your dog in? If you are not in the right frame of mind to go somewhere you need to do a lot of managing with your dog, then go somewhere quieter.
If you’ve been practicing loose lead walking but today you are tired, go somewhere in the car where your dog can get more off lead time.
4. Training Opportunities
Use walks to work on your dog’s training.
For example, if you’ve been working on your dog’s recall, plan ahead and go somewhere you can practice this.
If you’ve been working on your dog’s sit, practice this in different spots along your walk. This will also get your dog engaging more with you throughout your walk.
5. Be Less Predictable
Often we walk the same routes with our dogs and do the same things on our walks.
Spice things up by going a different route, changing direction for no reason or crossing roads in different spots from usual.
You could even let your dog lead the way on a walk and see where you end up!
Walks should be something fun you do together with your dog, not just another chore to be done.
How can you make your walks more enjoyable for both of you?
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