Give your dog the BEST WALK!

Not all walks are created equal. We might think that a walk is a walk, but often what we think of as a good walk, isn't necessarily the best we can do for them. Dogs benefit greatly from regular walks that cater to their natural needs and behaviours.
Providing opportunities for off-lead/long line exploration if possible, sniffing, and allowing your dog the ability to make choices during their walks can contribute to their happiness and well-being.
It's important to allow dogs to engage in natural behaviours such as sniffing and seeking, while also offering a variety of experiences such as different environments, surfaces, and interactions.
Additionally, giving dogs breaks from interactions with other dogs and people, and observing and responding to their cues during walks, can contribute to a more enriching and beneficial walking experience for them.
Walks are for your dog's benefit as well as yours, so take cues from them whenever it's appropriate and try to provide a range of enriching experiences. Try to think outside the box! There are lots of ways to provide enrichment and exercise to your dog.
My name is Naomi Andrews and I run We Teach Pets. I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in anxiety related behaviour in dogs. I see cases in Worcestershire and surrounding areas, or remote consultations in any location!
I work with people 1:1 or you can check out my freebies and self paced courses. Find out more here: www.weteachpets.com

[@KamilaSK.]

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[@ToeTag1968]

You hinted towards this with providing variation. Even if you only have time to start a walk from your home, don't go the same way each time. Not only are different smells more stimulating for them, if they happen to run away, the smells can help to bring them back home. So if they're wandering around randomly, they might recognize something that reminds them of where to go.

[@WeTeachPets]

You're so right - there are lots of ways you can provide variation just picking different routes in the same general location! It's amazing how well dogs can recognise scents that help them find their way too :)

[@Chicago_jake]

Great tips! I’m always worried my dog might get bored because we do the same walk most days. But he always seems to enjoy and finds new things to smell, and eat..

[@WeTeachPets]

It's great that you are thinking about the walk from your dog's perspective! There are so many smells that change every day that we just have no idea about so it's amazing how different the "same" walk can end up being! But you can always add other variations to expose your dog to different types of scents in different areas from time to time too :)

[@kawsper]

Ernie is so cute!

[@WeTeachPets]

I love the jumps over the stream - could just watch that bit over and over!

[@debbieanderson2174]

Thank you for your really helpful video 😊🐾

[@WeTeachPets]

Thank you! Really glad to hear it was helpful! It was a really lovely one to make :)

[@llyradcynth691]

I walk a dog I'm now terrified to walk. She adores walking and I enjoy it too, but if she sees other dogs she goes ballistic and is strong, and I find it difficult to hold onto the lead. I fell recently on my knees walking which totally undermined my confidence which I had built up. My knee the more injured one is OK but not like it was, so another knock might be serious. This is not my dog, and have been told there's no pressure to walk her, but, I used to keep fit and enjoyed it. Not sure what to do, as owner doesn't walk her sufficiently, and I don't want to stop, but at the same time I am scared.

[@WeTeachPets]

Hi there. I am so sorry to hear that the dog you're walking is struggling with seeing other dogs and that this has ended up with you getting injured. I'm not surprised you aren't feeling comfortable walking her at the moment. Do you think the owners would be open to working with someone on the issue? Do you have secure fields you could go to with her where there won't be other dogs around for now? Or depending on where you/the dog live maybe there are some walks in quiet spots you could go to if you're able to keep a safe distance from others? What breed/size is she?

[@doonewatts7155]

Baby paw steps to build up your confidence and perhaps a body harness? Maybe try turning round and walking away from the other dogs so it breaks her concentration?

[@doonewatts7155]

And something that I never used to approve of - treats

[@micheled8764]

I am a professional dog walker, and I recommend that you keep the leash short when other dogs are around, and teach the dog to follow your direction. The dog is likely aggressing on other dogs to be protective of you (from its point of view). The more leadership you show the dog, the more it will learn to trust you, and then you can tell the dog you do not need protection, that you are fine and that their aggressive behavior is unwanted. It's my humble but experienced opinion that the dog's aggressive behavior is due to your lack of leadership with the dog, which is quite fixable (and safer for everyone). Good luck!

[@cynthiaracicot6502]

Try training treats. When you see another dog distract them with rewards, praise it for not barking and pulling. I did this with a 12 year old and it worked magnificently. Google for more info. Good luck.

[@guybeingaguy]

I put one foot in front of the other and my dog does too. No reason for a 3 minute video man. It’s walking. That’s it. Been doing it since time began. It’s time to walk away from the internet, open the door and mingle with humans again.

[@WeTeachPets]

Thank you for sharing your perspective! While it might seem simple, there are lots of factors that can contribute to a fulfilling walk. My intention with the video was to offer some tips and insights for enhancing that experience. However, I appreciate your input and encourage you to enjoy walks in whatever way brings you both joy!

[@guybeingaguy]

@@WeTeachPets Fullfilling walks? You have issues. I’m going to have a fulfilling time blinking! 👍 Should I make a fulfilling blinking video? You have issues.

[@kawsper]

@@guybeingaguyI look forward to your fulfilling blinking video 🎉

[@somebodyyoudontknow3980]

​@@guybeingaguyGod you're a miserable human aren't you, you knew what you were clicking on to watch and clearly you just wanted to complain, maybe you need to find something actually fulfilling for yourself too