7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Walks Interesting

Walking your dog is not only a form of exercise; it is also an opportunity for him to explore the world around him and learn some good behaviors. And, of course, there’s the chance to pee and poop. However, having the same dog walking basics everyday is dull and boring. While your dog may be always excited for the walk, some people may grow less and less optimistic each day that they would wish someone could just walk their dog instead. It does not have to be that way all the time. These simple tips should make your daily walk more interesting not only for you, but also for your furry companion:

Keep Your Dog Walks Interesting

Explore a New Trail

Taking the same trail every day can really be boring. So, you might want to change things up a bit. Maybe it’s time to take that other turn you always ignored.

Exploring a new trail offers new sights, sounds, and even smell. Also, a different scene can be very exciting for both of you. You can start with a new park, or maybe a biking trail. Just make sure that you are taking a safe path and using the right harnesses for them. Ideally, before you explore, do a research on safe trails in your area.

Change the Pace

If your dog walk is fairly quick every time, maybe you can slow down the next time and enjoy the surroundings. If you walk leisurely, then you may add some intensity. Also, learn to set the pace, because this can also lead to better loose-leash walking. When you periodically change your pace, you teach your dog to pay attention, stay focused, and be close to you.

Let Your Dog Explore

As mentioned earlier, your daily walk is also a chance for your dog to explore the outside world, so let him do so. Take a few minutes off the walk to let your furry companion sniff around. It’s his way of exploring and discovering new things, thus providing an opportunity for mental and sensory stimulation. But, always observe safety measures when exploring.

Add Some Training Exercises

It’s not good to have a dog that follows instructions only when you are at home or in your training class. It is important to do training exercises in all sorts of places so that your dog will also get used to do what he is asked for, even with the distractions around. As a complement to this routine, you should prepare some rewards the same way they do in a training class. Make sure to give your furry pal a treat whenever he is able to successfully accomplish a task, or if he is able to stay away from distractions.

Walk and Play

Your daily walk does not have to be all about walking. Bring along a toy so that you can have some playtime as well. A ball, a flying disc, or your dog’s favorite toy will surely add some fun in your walks while providing more bonding moments. But still, make sure the playtime should be earned by your dog. For instance, if he has behaved during the first part of the walk, then you can reward him with some “throw-and-fetch.”

Break the Ice

Since you are already out, then maybe you can do other stuff while not deviating from the purpose of the activity, which is for your dog to get out, breathe fresh air, and have some exercise routine. You can tag him along while you do some errands. By the end of the walk, you don't just benefit your dog, you also get to accomplish some other personal tasks.

Make some New Friends

Dog walking is a great opportunity to meet other people and their pets, as well as make new friends. With this, you get to enjoy a couple of minutes to talk with other dog owners and chance to socialize and get updated with important things going on in your community. Also, take note that most of these furry creatures like a little bit of attention every now and then. Hence, it is always a good idea to ask the other person if it’s okay for your dog to greet his dog. If not, then you can just keep greetings short but sweet.

So, if your daily dog-walking routine becomes dull and uninteresting, then these simple ways can add in some spice to it. In addition, always keep in mind that walking your dog is very beneficial for you and your canine companion, especially for his health and fitness, so try to be always optimistic about it.

Author: Jordan Walker

Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops and Cages as well as a couple of other pet-related blogs. His passion for animals is only paired with his love for “attempting” to play the guitar. If you would like to catch more of him, you can by following him on his Twitter account: @JordanWalker82.

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