Getting The Most Out of Your Walk

How To Create Engaging Outings for Your Dog

Think the only way to tire your dog on a walk is by adding more miles to the outing? We’ve got good news – there are better and easier ways to leave them satisfied.

For starters, people often think a daily walk is the best way to help a dog burn off extra energy. While walks are definitely beneficial for dogs and humans alike, the best way to tire your four-legged friend on these outings might surprise you.

In reality, the physical activity a walk provides is only the beginning. They also give a dog mental stimulation and enrichment, which can reduce behavioral issues.

That’s where the good news comes in – mental stimulation also tires a dog out, often more than physical activity! That means that adding more enrichment opportunities to your dog’s walk can provide even better benefits.

And don’t worry; it’s easier to make a walk more stimulating for your dog without making it longer or more rigorous.

Scent Walks

One of the easiest ways to add more enrichment is simply letting your dog stop and smell the roses – literally.

Sniffing not only decreases a dog’s stress and heart rate, but it also releases those “happy” brain chemicals (dopamine).

Whether you take a “sniffari” and let your dog lead the way with their nose or give them plenty of time to stop and sniff along the way, take your time.

Scent walks are all about letting them explore, not the time or distance of the outing.

Different Routes

It’s certainly true that dogs love consistency – and so do many of their humans. But if you want to shake things up, break the routine and take a different route.

Dogs are incredibly smart animals, which is why they need mental stimulation. Heading down a different street gives them a chance to see and smell new things.

So, changing your route regularly makes the walk even more exciting – and adds up to extra mental stimulation.

Training Games

Want to increase your dog’s mental stimulation with more activity? Add a few minutes of training here and there!

One fun way to get your dog thinking – and pay more attention to you! – is a little game of Red Light, Green Light.

To get started, say, “Green!” and get your dog moving at either a brisk walk or jog. After a short time (10-15 seconds), say, “RED!” and stop abruptly. Then, repeat.

While you do this activity, your dog should start focusing on you, waiting to see what you do next – no treats required! It’s all about the fun of the unexpected.

Once they get a sense of the game, try varying your “Green” pace; they’ll likely keep in step with you, waiting for you to announce “RED!”

Just a few sessions of Red Light, Green Light can turn a short walk into a satisfying outing for both of you.

The best part about adding mental stimulation to your outings? You can tailor them to dogs of all ages and abilities.