How to Turn Your Dog’s Daily Walk into Bonding Time
Walking the dog is part of a daily routine for most people. With walks being so frequent and repetitive, it’s easy for them to start feeling like a chore. Yet, walking with your dog should be a fun bonding experience, not just another box to check on your to-do list. By making small adjustments to your daily walks, you can make walk time feel like a key bonding experience.
Be Present (Your Dog Notices!)
While going for a walk might just seem like another activity to you, it’s often the highlight of the day for your dog. Your dog looks forward to spending time with you, so make sure you’re present and paying attention to your furry friend while walking. It’ll make walks more enjoyable for both of you.
If you’re glued to your phone while walking, you’ll miss out on your dog’s body language and behaviours, and most importantly, their excitement. Paying attention to your dog during walks can be a heartwarming experience because you’ll get to see how happy they are. Having your dog look up at you adoringly while walking is one of the best feelings in the world.
Make Space for Sniffs and Exploration
Don’t rush your walks. Walking is for more than just exercise. It’s a great way for your dog to experience the world around them with you by their side. It can be frustrating if your dog sniffs every blade of grass, but remember, sniffing is mentally enriching for your canine.
To build trust between you and your dog, let them lead the way sometimes. Give them some moments to just sniff around without you tugging on their lead. Your dog will enjoy their walks with you a lot more if they get to investigate all the most interesting smells. While they sniff, be patient and take a moment to admire your four-legged friend.
Use Positive Reinforcement in the Moment
When done correctly, training can be a great form of bonding for you and your dog. Working on training during your walk can make it more engaging for your pup while also improving their leash manners. Reward your dog for calm walking, check-ins, and loose-lead moments. Using positive reinforcement throughout the walk can help you communicate with your dog and make your expectations easier for them to understand.
Pack a treat pouch and other walking essentials to make leash walking go smoothly. Whenever your dog behaves well, reach into your treat pouch and hand them a training treat. It’s a great way to quickly offer treats without getting your pockets full of crumbs. Use high-value, low-calorie dog treats for best results.
Talk to Your Dog (Yes, Really!)
You might seem like a crazy dog person to anyone without pets, but talking to your dog is beneficial for both you and your pup. Gently chatting with your dog while walking can build an emotional connection and help them feel comfortable. Even just quietly saying their name or using praise words like “yes” and “good” can make walks more positive.
Studies show that dogs often prefer the high-pitched voices that we use when speaking to them. It captures their attention and lets them know that you’re talking to them. So, rather than avoiding silly “dog voices,” embrace them.
End on a High Note
Don’t let the fun end when your walk does. Ending the walk with something fun or following it up with a bonding activity can make walks even more exciting for your dog. Do something your dog loves at the end, such as offering a chew toy, playing a game, or cuddling.
If you end the walk and instantly ignore your dog, it may make them not want to return home when walking. Having something fun at the end of the walk creates a positive association with the walk ending so they can have fun both during and after their daily walks.
Dogs don’t need every walk to be perfect. They just want to spend time with you. So, be present and engage with them throughout the walk to make the experience as exciting as possible. Doing so can strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.