Enriching dog walks: Elevate every stroll
Dog walks are an essential part of your pet’s daily routine, offering mental stimulation and physical benefits to both human and dog participant.
Regular walking can help maintain your dog’s weight management, improve digestion, boost cardiovascular health and help with their overall mobility but more than just physical benefits, mental stimulation is a key benefit to a daily stroll.
To enhance your dog’s walking experience and keep them mentally sharp, consider adding these enrichment activities to their outings:
Vary the route: Dogs love novelty, and a new route can provide them with fresh scents, sights, and sounds. Take a different path through your local neighbourhood, visit a nearby park or woodland, or explore new trails in your area. Changing the scenery keeps your dog mentally engaged and can prevent walks from feeling mundane.
For those wishing to explore something new in the local area or further afield, why not take a look for a new dog-friendly stroll. Check out some of the best dog friendly strolls in Gloucestershire, according to the AA.
Let them sniff: Dogs experience the world primarily through their sense of smell, so give your dog time to stop and sniff around during walks. This is mentally enriching for them, allowing them to gather information and satisfy their natural curiosity. Don’t rush the walk—let your dog linger and explore. It has even been reported that just 20 minutes of sniff time can be the equivalent to 1 hour of a standard walk!
Add training or trick practice: Whilst training should begin at home where there are less distractions for your dog, use your walk as an opportunity to reinforce basic obedience commands or introduce new skills. Practicing “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” or “come” while on the move keeps your dog mentally stimulated and strengthens your bond. Always use positive reinforcement, like treats or praise, to make the experience even more rewarding.
For those dogs in need of additional training support when on walks, you can contact our Behaviour team at behaviour@gawa.org.uk for more specific practical advice on training and positive reinforcement techniques.
Interactive toys and challenges: Bring along toys like a tug rope or ball to incorporate play into the walk. You can also use food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys to keep your dog engaged. Hide treats along the route to encourage scent tracking and problem-solving.
Including scent games can be a fun way to engage your dog and make walks even more fun!
