How To Get The Most Out Of Your Daily Dog Walk

Walking the dog might seem like a simple enough thing – you just need to grab the lead, open the door, and go. But if you’re anything like most dog owners, you’ve probably had days where the walk feels more like a chore than a fun adventure, and you might even have been tempted to skip it (which isn’t great for you or your dog). It’s okay, though; we’ve all been there, and there are some things you can do to improve your walk and perhaps even make you look forward to it (probably not as much as your dog, but that’s a hard energy to match!). So with that in mind, let’s take a look at how to get the most out of your daily dog walk; read on to find out more. 

Change The Route 

It’s so easy to fall into a routine where you take the same walk down the same streets to the same park every time you leave the house, and while that’s comfortable at first, in the end it’s sure to get pretty boring. And although dogs do love a good routine, they also love to explore new places, and that’s why changing the route you take once in a while is a great idea to give your dog new sights, smells, and sounds to enjoy – that’s going to keep them mentally stimulated and they’ll get a bit more adventure out of their walk (and, as a bonus, so will you). 

You don’t have to go all out and find an entirely new place to walk either; you could start really simply and just reverse your usual route – that’s only a small change but it can make everything feel different. 

Make It Interactive 

Walking doesn’t just have to be about getting from point A to point B, so why not turn your dog’s walk into an interactive experience that includes games, training, or even just taking more breaks to let them sniff around. Whether you’ve just got brand new Weimaraner puppies or your dog is more elderly, they’re going to love being able to explore and have fun when they’re out and about, and this could be the ideal time to improve their behavior or just wear them out (that’s especially good if they’re young and energetic). 

Take a ball or Frisbee with you and stop somewhere like a park of a woodland clearing to play fetch for a few minutes, and you’ll see what a difference it makes – and it gives you and the dog a reward to look forward to after walking for a while. And the fact is your dog won’t care if the walk is 10 minutes or half an hour as long as they get to have some fun, so you could actually make the walk itself shorter and spend more time playing – it’s good for everyone in the end. 

Use The Right Equipment 

The equipment you use for walking your dog can make a big difference in how enjoyable and effective the walk is for both of you, and if your dog is always pulling at their lead or you’re dealing with uncomfortable collars, it might be time to get some new stuff to make things better for your pet. 

If your dog is a puller, a front-clip harness might be a better idea than a traditional collar and lead or leash because it gives you all the control you need without putting any pressure on your dog’s neck, which can be a problem until they’re properly trained. It’s also wise to invest in a sturdy, strong leash that’s comfortable to hold, and whether it’s a standard one or a retractable one, make sure it’s the right length and material for your dog and the way they walk. 

And don’t forget the other essentials – poop bags and treats! That’s going to make the walk much less stressful and you’ll be doing your part to keep the place clean. As for the treats, they’re ideal if you’re intending to do some training while you’re out and about, so having them with you means you’ve always got the option. 

Do Some Bonding 

One of the most important parts of your daily dog walk is that it can be a great way to strengthen the bond you have with your pet – walking together gives you time to connect and be together in peace and quiet, rather than always having distractions around like other pets, people, or work, for example. 

So instead of zoning out or scrolling through your phone or perhaps even listening to music, take the time to really be present with your dog – watch them and interact with them, look at what they’re looking at and be curious about what they’re curious about. It’s a great way to have a better relationship. 

It’s also great if you can talk to your dog. True, it might feel funny at first, but talking to your do while you walk can be really calming for both of you, and it’s a great way to get your feeling out too – after all, your dog’s not going to understand what you’re saying, so this could be a great opportunity to get things off your chest and feel better once you’ve done it – think of it like a free form of therapy when you need it! 

Get Some Exercise 

One important thing to remember is that dog walks aren’t just for dogs – you can make use of them too and get some exercise. Even a brisk 20 minute walk can do wonders for your health, and if you can make things a bit more challenging, that’s even better. 

What do we mean by challenging? Well, to begin with you could speed up a bit by adding a short jog or run to your walk – start slow and build up as time goes on and you get more confident. Your dog will love the challenge too, so you don’t need to worry about them (although if they’re older, they might not be able to run for too long, so bear that in mind). You could even add some bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, or push ups are you go along – that could be when your dog is taking a little sniff break, and instead of standing still you can really make the most of being out in the fresh air and getting fitter and healthier – it’s ideal.