Taking Time to Smell the Roses (and Other Things): Tips for Walking Your Dog
All dogs need to walk. And it’s good for people, too.
But there are all different sorts of dog walks, from leisurely sniffing expeditions to vigorous exercise.
What are some ways to get the most benefit and enjoyment from walking your dog?
5 Tips for Walking Your Dog
Here are a few questions based on tips from our friends at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- Are you and your dog healthy enough? If your pet is overweight, elderly, or has other health issues, check with your vet before starting a new exercise regime with your dog. Same goes for you.
- How far should you walk? Start slowly and work your way up to longer walks. This is good for both of you.
- Should your dog be trained first? Train your dog to walk on a leash. A good harness can help if they are pulling, and it’s a great idea to take some classes or get help from a credentialed trainer to make sure your dog learns good leash manners.
- Are there any laws about walking your dog? Follow local leash laws (most places require dogs to be on a leash) and don’t forget bags or a poop scoop. Be a good neighbor and dispose of dog poop in a garbage can.
- Can you walk your dog when the weather is hot? In summer, avoid being out in the hottest part of the day, and avoid hot surfaces like sand and asphalt that can burn your pet’s paws. A general rule is if it’s too hot for you to have your hand on sand or asphalt, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. No one wants an emergency trip to the vet when it’s totally preventable.
Try a “Sniff Walk”
Dogs understand their world through their incredible noses, so be sure to let them take some time to sniff. That’s how they understand who’s been where. Leading veterinarians and pet behaviorists encourage people to take their dogs on a “sniff walk” (also known as a “scent walk”). That’s a walk where the dog has the power to decide how long to stay in a certain spot. This is a great mental exercise for your dog to help keep them happy pups.
You can follow their cues while they keep their ears forward and nose to the ground following a scent. You can even teach them a verbal cue like “go sniff” that will help them know the difference between a sniff walk and one where you want to keep moving.
Switch It Up
It’s easy to get stuck in a pattern, but dogs and humans benefit from variation in walks. Try a new pace, or a new place. It can be fun for both of you to see (and smell) the world from a different perspective.
Walking your dog is a great way to get exercise that’s good for your minds and bodies and to connect with your pet.