We’ve all been there. You lace up your sneakers, phone in hand, ready to conquer your 10,000 steps. But your furry friend? They seem more interested in sniffing every lamppost, tree stump and patch of grass than logging miles. It can be frustrating. But the answer to a more enjoyable walk might lie in a simple question: Whose walk is it, anyway?
I often see humans and dogs struggling on walks: the humans pulling sniffing dogs away from a bush, the dogs pulling away from humans toward a stand of flowers.
Often, it boils down to a mismatch in expectations. Humans might be focused on exercise while the canine companions might be more interested in exploring their environment by sniffing positively everything.
Dogs are wired to sniff! They gather information about the world through their noses, and denying them that exploration is like asking us to navigate life blindfolded. Please make sure your dog does get time to sniff during each walk, even if the whole walk is not devoted to sniffing.
Different types of walks
Elimination Walks: These are quick, business-like walks focused on allowing your dog to relieve themselves. Think short leash, designated potty area and minimal sniffing time.
Exercise Walks: These are designed to burn energy, build stamina and maintain good health. Think brisk pace, shorter sniffing breaks, and maybe even a jog for athletic pups.
Sniff Walks: These leisurely sniffaris allow your dog explore their world at their own pace, soaking up the doggy news bulletins left behind by four-legged neighbors. Long leashes, plenty of sniffing time, and a relaxed human attitude are key. Side benefit is that sniffing is calming and lowers a dog’s heart rate.
Social Walks: Social butterflies of the canine kingdom will thrive on walks with doggy pals. These walks can be at the park, on a designated dog walking trail, or even a planned playdate. Remember, not all dogs are social butterflies, so watch for signs of stress or avoidance of other dogs and respect their preferences.
Exploratory Walks and Field Trips: New sights, sounds, and smells! These walks are like canine field trips, venturing to new parks, hiking trails, or even dog-friendly stores. This mental stimulation is fantastic for all dogs, and the car ride beforehand is usually an added bonus.
Whose Walk Is It? Setting Expectations
Remember, you control a large part of your dog’s world. By letting them make some choices on walks, you help build confidence and trust. If you’ve decided it’s your doggo’s walk, read their signals. Eagerly pulling on the leash, tail wagging? Exercise time. Ambling, lagging behind, sniffing every blade of grass? Sniffari it is.
While some walks are purely for doggy enrichment, sometimes it is the human’s walk, and the dog is just along for an enjoyable ride! The key is setting clear expectations. Here’s how to help your dog understand what kind of outing is in the offing:
Visual Cues: Running shoes and a short leash might signal an exercise walk. Flip flops, a travel coffee mug and a long leash could indicate a leisurely sniff walk. A car ride and a long leash could communicate an exploratory adventure.
Verbal Cues: “Potty time” could introduce an elimination walk, “Sniffari time!” could introduce a sniff walk, “Wanna see Fido?” could set the stage for a social walk, and “Walkies!” could signal an exercise walk.
Routines: Establish a consistent routine around different styles of walks. Perhaps elimination walks happen first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening while exercise walks or sniffaris happen mid day. This predictability helps your dog anticipate the purpose of the walk.
By giving your dog clues about the walk’s purpose, you can help them adjust their expectations and avoid confusion, leading to a more enjoyable experience for both of you.
Other considerations
Remember to always maintain leash control over your dog and be watchful for potential hazards like traffic, other animals or hot/icy pavement during walks. Walks may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions like extreme heat, cold or downpours.
Consider bringing along treats to reinforce good walking behavior during your walks.
Respect the dog’s limits. Even during exercise walks, it’s important to be aware of your dog’s physical limitations. Don’t push them beyond their comfort zone, especially young puppies or senior dogs. If in doubt, check with a vet.
Ultimately, a walk should be a positive experience for both of you. Understanding your dog’s needs and tailoring walks accordingly allows you both to have a great walk.
Go have a walk you and your dog will love!