Dog-Dog Reactivity on a Walk - iWoofs S8E5

[@KazeNoTaniFarmHakuba]

Wow That was a lightbulb moment All these years of thinking that you had to reach a quota of distance walked to have a happy and tired dog

[@DunbarAcademy]

Yeah, mental stimulation is so much more important for a dog's overall well-being. Playing with your dog, training your dog, letting your dog sniff or see new and interesting things can all satisfy your dog's need for mental stimulation and lead to a happy dog that sleeps well! Walking a dog is wonderful, if the dog is well trained and the walks are pleasant for all involved.

[@zsazsak879]

I don’t walk my Dachshund everyday. For instance yesterday, she discovered a new scent in the woodpile. She spent all morning digging, going under the tarp, etc. trying to get at whatever was in there. I had to bring her in to rest. She was knackered for the rest of the day and evening.

[@DunbarAcademy]

It's so true. Sniffing can really stimulate a dog's brain. You might want to look into Nose Work for your dog, it can be super fun and very tiring

[@zsazsak879]

I would never take my dog to a dog park.

[@DunbarAcademy]

Dog parks can be a great place to take your dog and a really wonderful place to work on their training because you can practice off-leash control in a distracting but safely confined environment. But it depends on the people and dogs at the park. You shouldn't be afraid to leave a dog park if the people or dogs there are not pleasant to be around. But of course, if you don't want to take your dog to dog parks that's totally fine too. It is good to have regular play dates or walking dates with other dogs to maintain socialization, but that certainly doesn't need to happen at the park

[@zsazsak879]

Unfortunately my dog was never socialized. I adopted her when she was 3 yrs. I’ve been working with a trainer for 2 years now. Gypsy doesn’t like other dog. It’s heartbreaking at times. But not all dogs like other dogs. All I do is maintain her anxiety and reactivity to the best of my ability. I never subject her to situations that are uncomfortable for her

[@analarson2920]

It can be hard for some dogs.​@@zsazsak879