Seven ways to improve your dog walks

happy shiba inu winking while on a walk
Look at how happy this dog is! That’s a good walk (Picture: Getty)

There’s a day for everything, you know.

So we doubt you’ll be surprised to learn that today, 22 February, is National Walk the Dog Day.

We would say to mark this special occasion by, well, walking your dog, but that’s likely something you do every day regardless.

Instead, today we’ve chatted to The National Trust, who’ve teamed with dog food brand Forthglade to share their tips on making your usual dog walk better for both you and your four-legged pal.

So today, yes, take your dog on a walk and pat yourself on the back for being on-theme, but also take a moment to appreciate the joy of dog-walking and see how you can make it more fun.

Here are seven ways to up your dog walk game.

Make a commitment to other people

Look, we’re all busy. It’s easy for your lofty plans of taking your dog on a park adventure to slip.

Our time-poor, rushed lifestyles mean the average dog walk lasts just 20 minutes, despite advice that we should walk our dogs for up to two hours a day.

The good news is that you don’t need to have a load of spare time every single day. It’s okay to sometimes do a shorter venture out and about. But make up for the standard daily walk by planning something fun at the weekend.

To make yourself more likely to stick to those plans, commit to going with someone else who can act as your accountability buddy – whether that’s a friend who you fancy a catchup with or a dogwalking group.

Woman walking a french bulldog
Don’t stick to the same old route (Picture: Getty)

Add a challenge

Don’t just walk on your dog walk. Give your dog some mental stimulation, too.

Bring along a bag of treats and hide a few in grass and bushes for your pup to find, or pack a puzzle toy.

Be flexible

Don’t feel rubbish if you don’t manage that daily target of one big walk. If you need to split up the walk into more manageable chunks, that’s totally fine.

And, as we said, it’s worth dedicating some time at the weekend just for a more leisurely, adventurous stroll, without all the added time pressure that’s part and parcel of the working week.

Work with your body clock

If you’re not a morning person, don’t plan your walks for six in the morning. Just like that pre-gym workout plan, it’s just not going to happen.

Take a look at your energy levels throughout the day and figure out when works best for you. When do you need a break to get outside? When are things always busy?

Avoid those times when you know you’ll be distracted or worrying about getting back home and schedule in your walks so they’re fun for you and your dog.

Cocker Spaniel Puppy On Outdoor Walk With Owner
Give your dog your full attention (Picture: Getty)

Give your dog your attention

We know that dogs get a little offended if you’re staring at your phone while out on your walks.

Make your walks a time just for you and your pup, with no headphones, phone calls, or mentally working through your to-do list.

It’s good for you to get outside and relax, too.

Don’t rush

Go at your dog’s pace and give them time to explore when they want to, run around when they feel like it, and have a more leisurely dawdle when they’re in the mood.

Try a new route

Don’t just stick to the same routine – it’s boring for you and your dog.

Pick a direction and just head on an adventure, head to a park you haven’t been to before, or take a browse through the National Trust’s list of the best places for dog walking.

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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/22/seven-ways-improve-dog-walks-12284642/
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