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DOG WALKS DONE DIFFERENTLY

As we’ve discussed before, adding a few tasks or challenges to your walk can tire your dog out more effectively than a simple stroll alone. Here, we give you some straightforward ways to jazz up your walking routine to encourage your dog to flex his thinking muscles, ensuring he comes home ready to rest!

1. CHANGE SPEED

Say your dog’s name to get his attention before walking fast (double your average pace) or slow (half your usual pace). This helps to gain focus and build up your walking bond. The more you practice this, the more you’ll find your dog keeps (at least some of) his attention on you when you’re out and about.

2. STRAIGHT SITS

A ‘straight sit’ is when your dog sits by your side with his nose pointing in the same direction as your toes. Try to achieve a few of these every walk.

3. ‘ABOUT TURNS’

An ‘about turn’ is you and your dog turning 180 degrees and walking back in the direction you just came from. Say your dog’s name, turn away from him and encourage him to come with you. Try to do a few of these each walk.

4. SNIFF IT OUT

Randomly hold a treat and drop it to the ground. Point to it and allow your dog to locate and eat the treat. Make the scentwork challenge greater by dropping the treat into some long grass – just beware of ticks! This exercise helps train focus away from undesirable distractions and items.

5. SWAP SIDES

If you are used to walking your dog on one side, swap sides and walk him on the other side. You may need some treats to encourage this to begin with.

6. GO ‘HAND-OVER’ STYLE

Apply common sense and caution, but allow your dog to dictate the direction of your walk. This can tell you a huge amount about your dog’s motivation and where his favourite places are located.

7. WAIT

Occasionally, stop walking and wait. The second your dog looks up at you or returns to you, praise him and continue with the walk. This might be a bit slow to begin with, but it gets quicker the more you play.

8. STOP AND START

If you are walking your dog on a lead, you can do this exercise to help teach him to walk without pulling. When his lead becomes taught, stop. When the lead is slack, keep walking. Repeating this throughout the walk encourages your dog to think and ultimately trains him to be better on the lead.

9. SIT AND WATCH

Find a quiet place and simply allow your dog to look around. Every time he goes to investigate something new, give him a treat. This is calming and helps build positive associations. It also allows you to take a break mid-walk!