5 Everyday Habits That Make Dog Walks More Enjoyable

It’s easy for walks to feel like a chore for dogs and their humans. If you have a dog that walks as slow as possible, sniffs every blade of grass excessively, or refuses to walk in a straight line, it can seem like a hassle to walk them. 

Yet, walking your dog should be a fun activity you enjoy together, not something you dread. Adjusting small habits in your walking routine can make daily exercise more entertaining for both you and your furry friend. That way, you can both look forward to your daily walks together.

Habit #1: Choose the Right Time for Your Dog

If your dog is slow and disinterested in walks, it could be the time of day. Walking during cooler times, especially in the summer, can improve your dog’s energy levels and reduce the risk of heat stroke. Avoiding crowded times is ideal for reactive dogs and dogs that get stressed around other people and pets. 

Early mornings and late evenings work best for many dogs. Adjusting your walk schedule to fit these needs can make your dog more excited to walk, helping you enjoy the experience more too.

Habit #2: Use Consistent Cues and Signals

All dogs should work on leash training now and then. If your dog walks too fast or too slow, working on cues and signals can make walking less erratic. Leash training is especially great for dogs who pull on the leash and don’t come when called.

Leash training should include “wait” if you want your dog to stop pulling and “let’s go” to release them. You can also work on “heel” to teach your dog to follow alongside you and “easy” to get them to slow down. It’s a good idea to strengthen other basic commands too, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”

Training not only keeps your dog out of trouble, but it also helps them form a stronger bond with you. Using cues and signals during walks can offer teamwork and predictability for your canine companion, adding some engaging activities for both of you.

Habit #3: Be Present (Put the Phone Away!)

In a world where technology is so prevalent, it’s hard to stop checking our phones sometimes. However, if you’re glued to your phone while walking your dog, you could miss things. You might not pick up after your dog if you don’t notice them doing their business. If your dog is showing signs of stress or another dog comes toward you, you won’t be able to react quickly if you’re staring at your phone.

Keeping your phone tucked away helps you be present with your dog. You can keep an eye on them better and understand how they’re feeling by observing their body language. It gives you a chance to unplug while helping your dog feel closer to you, making the walk feel rewarding for both of you.

Habit #4: Let Them Sniff (Within Reason!)

Waiting for your dog to sniff every tree on walks might seem like a waste of time, but it’s your dog’s chance to explore. It’s a great form of mental stimulation for dogs, allowing them to smell what has been going on outside. It’s like your dog’s form of scrolling through social media to see what others are up to.

Of course, there are times when you might be in a hurry. It’s okay to stop your dog from sniffing sometimes, but if you have plenty of time to walk, let your dog sniff to their heart's content. They can’t check the news constantly like their humans can, so it’s only fair.

Habit #5: Keep a Walk Kit Ready to Go

Having a few essentials with you can make walks easier. In addition to the leash and harness your dog wears, bring a small pack with poop bags, treats, water, and a small towel. These items can vary based on your dog’s needs. Keep the pack by your dog’s leash so you can easily grab it on your way out the door.

That way, you’ll have everything you need to keep your dog comfortable without having to worry about rushing back home to grab something. This is especially important for long walks or walks outside of your neighbourhood.

Dog walks don’t have to be perfect, but they should be enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. By making these small shifts in your walking routine, both you and your dog can feel better about walks and even look forward to them. After all, walks are the perfect bonding activity for you and your dog.