There's an art to walking the dog, and it's not just about going to the park to exercise every day; it's an opportunity to strengthen your bond, train mindfully, and create lasting memories.
Walking the dogs is without question my favourite thing to do, there isn't anything I enjoy more than taking my four to the woods or the beach and being grounded in nature. They love the smells and I love the peace. I'm very fortune that because of my job I can determine my own schedule and take the dogs on multiple lovely walks each week, but there was a time back when I had a corporate career working long hours that those walks were strictly a weekend treat. Reflecting on what those walks looked like versus now, they were quite wild and almost unmanageable, and back then it was just the two beagles Ted & Alf!
Nowadays, I plan and structure our walks according to my time, energy, and enthusiasm aswell as theirs. If I'm not fully committed to being 100% engaged with my dogs then I'll either keep them on the lead or take them somewhere where we can all relax. I also have added considerations of managing their thresholds as each one of my dogs has a long-term physical injury that impacts on their behaviour and wellbeing (I'll talk more about that one in another blog). South East London has a surprisingly excellent and extensive choice of green spaces to take your dog, from small and medium sized local parks which are designed to support communities, to huge woodlands where you can lose yourself (and maybe a beag) that support entire boroughs. It's no secret that my favourite local spot to walk the dogs is Beckenham Place Park, we go there at least three times a week and never tire of it.
Check out our linked blogs at the end to see our favourite local spots to walk.
What kind of walk do you want today?
Every day should look a little different, even if you go to the same spot daily. Some days are playful walks, some are for training, and some days are mindful or slow and sniffy walks. Let's take a look at the variety of walks you can have with your dog and how you can chain them together to make the best walk ever!
Playful Walks
Whether this looks like playing ball or tug, doing some scentwork, or simply running around with your dog, it's important to remember that it should all be in moderation; too much of a good thing n'all that!
Break up play to 10-15 minute segments ensuring that every high energy segment is followed by a slow and steady decompression period. My go-to is playing a Find It with treats in the grass, or getting them to settle in a sit or down while we watch the world go by.
I often split my dogs up and take just one out for a walk, it's nice to have some dedicated one to one time with each of them, and they all have different interests and energies so I tend to use that time to focus on their 'thing'. Elsie is a big fan of chasing, whereas Merle is a super sniffer and excellent scentwork dog. It might surprise you, but Ted is my agility hero though nowadays it's Hoopers and some mild Parkour, and Alfo... well he and I like a spot of Man Trailing; there's nothing that dog enjoys more than a game of hide and seek!
Training Walks
This type of walk is dedicated to learning or improving on a certain behaviour or skill set. Obviously as a professional trainer I incorporate an element of teaching/training into every walk I do, but I prefer to do it in a way that never looks or feels forced.
If I'm going to work on a specific skill then I tend to do this on a solo walk and only ever give it as much time as my dog is comfortable. Sometimes that means just a minute or two before I move on to something else. I remember when I first learned to do a MIDDLE with Alfred in class, he picked it up instantly and middled like a boss for weeks often knocking me over if I stood with my knees together. On the other hand it took me over a year to teach Ted how to middle because he's very suspicious of a lure. I really had to break that behaviour down into micro-elements before I could even consider chaining it all together. At best, we spent two minutes at a time working on it before I moved on to doing something else. Eventually we got it and now it's his go to behaviour, I don't even verbally cue it anymore, I just flick my eyes to the right and he goes into a middle.
Slow & Sniffy Walks
Dogs experience the world primarily through their noses, and allowing them to take their time sniffing is not only natural but incredibly enriching.
The Science Behind Sniffing
Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about 6 million in humans. This makes their sense of smell between 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. When a dog sniffs, it’s gathering information about the world—who was there, what they ate, their emotional state, and so much more. This process is mentally stimulating and tiring (in a good way).
Set Aside Time for Exploration - Instead of focusing on distance or speed, dedicate a portion of your walk to letting your dog lead the way. Choose routes that are rich in smells, like parks, nature trails, or quiet neighborhoods. Allow your dog to linger, sniffing to their heart’s content without being rushed.
Use a Long Line / Lead - introducing a long line (10-15 feet) will gives your dog freedom to explore without feeling restricted but also keep them in your bubble. This encourages more natural sniffing behaviour and reduces frustration for your dog.
Practice Mindful Walking - Slow down your pace and observe your dog’s behaviour. Notice what interests them, how they interact with different scents, and what kinds of environments they prefer. This not only strengthens your bond but also helps you understand your dog better.
Mix It Up - Combine slow and sniffy walks with more structured exercise sessions. This balance ensures your dog gets both the physical exercise they need and the mental stimulation that sniffing provides.
Incorporate Enrichment & Scentwork Activities - Enhance your walks by introducing scent-based games, like scatter feeding, hiding treats or even a toy along your route. These activities engage your dog’s natural foraging instincts and make the walk even more rewarding.
The overall benefits of slowing down and using scentwork and sniffing is significant:
Reduced Stress - Just the same as how mindfulness calms humans, allowing your dog to explore at their own pace can reduce their stress and anxiety.
Increased Satisfaction - Dogs that get to exercise their noses tend to be more content and less likely to engage in undesirable behaviours at home.
Better Bonding - Taking the time to engage with your dog on their level fosters a deeper connection and mutual understanding.
Mindful Walks
These are my most practised type of walk, especially with Ted and Alf who are both now senior dogs quickly approaching 13 years old.
Switch Off and Be Present - Put away distractions such as phones and focus on the present moment with your dog. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings.
Observe Your Dog's Body Language - Pay attention to your dog's body language. Are they excited, curious, or calm? Understanding their cues deepens your connection.
Vary Your Routes - Explore different routes to keep walks interesting. It stimulates your dog's mind and provides new experiences.
Practise Loose Lead Walking - Encourage your dog to walk beside you with a loose lead. Use positive reinforcement to reward good walking behaviour.
Engage the Senses - Allow your dog to explore their surroundings. Let them sniff, listen to the rustle of leaves, and feel the textures beneath their paws.
Mindful Breathing - Take a few moments to practise deep, mindful breathing. It not only relaxes you but also creates a calming atmosphere for your dog.
Pause and Connect - Occasionally, stop and engage with your dog. Offer a gentle pat, a few words of encouragement, or a treat. It reinforces your bond.
Weather Adaptation - Embrace different weather conditions. Whether it's a sunny day, gentle rain, or a crisp breeze, each weather element adds a unique touch to your walks.
Mindful Pace - Adjust your walking pace to match your dog's energy level. A brisk walk might be invigorating, while a slow amble allows for contemplation.
Reflective Moments - Use walks as a time for reflection. It could be an opportunity to clear your mind, express gratitude, or simply enjoy the beauty around you.
Include Interactive Play - Incorporate short play sessions during your walk. A quick game of fetch or tug adds a playful element.
Celebrate Achievements - Celebrate milestones, whether it's overcoming a fear or mastering a new cue. Positive reinforcement strengthens the bond between you and your pup.
By embracing mindful walks, you not only provide physical exercise but also nurture a deeper connection with your dog.
Whether you're enjoying the energy of a Playful Walk, reinforcing good behaviour on a Training Walk, grounding yourself in the moment during a Mindful Walk, or embracing the sensory journey of a Slow & Sniffy Walk, each type offers unique benefits for both you and your dog. By varying your walking routine, you’re not just keeping things interesting, you’re nurturing your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
If you're looking to add a social dimension to your walks, consider joining one of our Social Saturday: Mingle Mutt Walks. These group walks are designed to help dogs learn how to socialise appropriately and respectfully in a controlled, friendly environment. It’s a great way for your dog to make new friends, practice good manners, and build confidence; all while you connect with other dog lovers in the community.
Remember, every walk is an opportunity to deepen the bond with your dog, explore new environments, and contribute to their overall happiness. So, lace up your shoes, grab that leash, and enjoy the many adventures that lie ahead with your furry companion and of course please share your walk experiences on social media with us by tagging @cwtches.dog. We'd love to see how you and your pup are making each walk a special journey!
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