Last updated: 30 Sep, 2024
Published on: 13 Jun, 2024
How can I level-up my dog’s walks?
Taking your furry bestie for a stroll is more than just an item to tick off your to-do list each day - it’s an op-paw-tunity for fun, bonding and adventure - not to mention the benefits for your own mental and physical health.
However, sometimes we get stuck in the same old routine day in, day out, and you might be wondering how to make your walks more stimulating for your furry family member.
So grab the leash, put on your sneakers, and get ready to find out how to make your walks the highlight of both your days!
Go for a slow sniffari
When a dog stops for a sniff on a walk, they’re collecting vital intel about the doggos in their ‘hood. Just from the sniff of a scent, they can tell whether a dog is male or female, if they’ve met them before and if they’re still nearby. Think of it as an adorable form of doggo social media!
Going for a short, slow walk, or ‘sniffari’ with lots of opportunities to sniff out scents is much more mentally enriching (and tiring!) than a fast walk without the chance to sniff.
Did you know there are dedicated sniff spaces around, like the one below in the City of Charles Sturt? You can even hire sniff spaces via SniffSpace.
Make it a training sesh
Is your doggo (or you!) getting bored of the same ol’ routine? Pack some treatos and make it a training sesh!
A walk can be a fantastic way to practice their skills with plenty of positive reinforcement in the form of treats, pets and verbal praise. Whether it’s learning to stop pulling on the lead, walking in a straight line, not reacting to people, other dogs or cars, or walking without a lead (in a designated off-lead area), it can be a special bonding opportunity.
Fear Free Happy Homes has a whole library of force-free training videos you can watch here.
In need of a little more help with training? See our guide to finding a force-free professional trainer here.
Bring a long lead
Are you exploring an on-lead area but want your doggo to be able to adventure? Try a long lead!
A long lead is a fun way for your doggo to experience the world their way. Just make sure to respect private property, keep everyone safe by not allowing them into areas where there may be wildlife, and be aware of other people and doggos - a long lead to the ankles isn’t fun!
A long lead can also be a safe way to level up on some skills like responding to their name, check-ins, walking on a loose leash, and recall.
Let them navigate
Letting your furry pal use their instincts to investigate their surroundings and choose which direction to walk will give them a more enriching experience. For our more anxious furry friends, choosing which way to go can help build confidence in the big world. Plus, it’ll make your experience more exciting than the same old - you might even find a new favourite route to walk!
Go to a new location
A new location means new smells, sights and sounds! You could visit the beach, a park, a forest, or a dog-friendly cafe for a puppuccino. Just check that it’s dog-friendly and you’re respecting on and off-leash rules.
Go with a new furry pal
A walk with a friend, family member or neighbour’s dog could be a great way for your BFF (and you) to socialise. Going on a walk together can also be a great, low-pressure way for two dogs to meet - you can read some tips here about the best way to introduce dogs on a walk.
It’s important to be mindful that like humans, not all dogs will want to be pals with all dogs they meet. Keep an eye on your dog’s body language cues to be sure of whether your pal is comfortable or not.
Learn about how to keep doggy playdates safe and happy.
Whether it’s because of their age, physical ability, the weather, or just their special unique personality types, some doggos (like cheeky Obi below) just don’t want to go for a walk sometimes!
Here are five activities you can do with your furry pal instead of a walk.