10 Simple Tips to Make Your Dog Walks More Fun
We all know it’s important to take our dogs for a walk every day, but surprisingly, about 30% of us skip this daily activity. One reason might be that these walks can become monotonous. Doing the same thing every day can get pretty boring, and your dog’s walk is no different. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with a daily walking routine, there’s a solution: make these walks more fun and engaging.
Daily walks are crucial for your dog’s routine, and making them enjoyable can motivate you to stick with it. The key? Add some variety to keep things interesting. Here are 10 easy ways to make your dog walks more fun for both you and your dog:
1. Let Your Dog Lead the Way
One simple way to add excitement is by letting your dog choose the route. Think of it as playing a game called “follow the dog.” Instead of sticking to your usual path, allow your dog to explore and lead you around. Your furry friend might take you to spots with lots of enticing smells or interesting sights, and it’s a great way for them to engage with their surroundings.
2. Encourage Sniffing
Walks aren’t just physical exercise; they’re mental exercises, too. Letting your dog sniff around during walks can keep them mentally stimulated and engaged. If stopping every few steps isn’t appealing to you, incorporate designated ‘sniff breaks’ to make the walk enjoyable for both of you.
3. Raise Money for Animal Rescue
Add an extra layer of goodness to your walks by using apps like ResQwalk & WoofTrax. These apps let you raise money for animal welfare organizations simply by walking. Just start the app when you begin your walk, and your progress will be tracked and converted into donations for your chosen cause.
4. Explore Local Parks
Tired of walking the same streets every day? Spice things up by visiting your local park. Exploring new trails will provide you with beautiful scenery and new places for your dog to sniff and explore. Not sure where to start? Look up a list of dog-friendly trails in your area.
5. Change Your Route
If traveling to a park isn’t feasible, try taking a different route within your neighborhood. Next time, turn right instead of left, or explore a new street. This small change can make your daily walk much more interesting for both of you.
6. Invite a Friend
When was the last time you caught up with a friend in person? Make your walks more enjoyable by inviting a friend or relative along. You can chat and catch up on life, and your dog will enjoy the extra company. You may find in-person catch-ups far more rewarding than virtual ones.
7. Vary Your Walking Pace
Mix things up by changing your walking speed now and then. Whether you keep a brisk pace, jog a little, or take it slow, varying your speed adds a bit of excitement and keeps the walk from becoming routine and dull.
