#126 The Two-Walk Balance

Ever wondered why your daily dog walks sometimes feel like a constant tug-of-war between what you want and what your dog needs? The secret to a happier, more balanced canine companion might be simpler than you think.

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Chapters

• 0:02 Why dogs need two types of walks
• 0:20 The sniff walk explained
• 1:18 Structured walks for safety
• 1:56 Finding balance in your routine
• 2:54 Building clear communication while walking

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:02

When it comes to walking your dog, one size does not fit all. Let's talk about why your dog needs two very different types of walks and why mixing both into your routine builds a better relationship and a better behaved dog. First, let's talk about the sniff walk. I have to admit it, it's my favorite one. A sniff walk is your dog's chance to just be a dog. Sniffing is how they investigate the world, how they get comfortable with the world. It's mentally stimulating and studies show that sniffing actually lowers the dog's heart rate. It reduces anxiety and it makes them feel more fulfilled. On a sniff walk, your job isn't to hurry your dog along, it's to let them lead the way a little. They choose where to sniff, how long to linger. It's slow, it's relaxed. It's slow, it's relaxed. It's all about enrichment and freedom. It's all about your dog. But now let's flip it. We also need a structured walk. This is especially important when you're walking through busy neighborhoods, parks or a crowded space. In these situations, in these situations, your dog needs to stay closer and focus more on you. This type of walk teaches impulse control. It keeps both of you safer. It also communicates that when we're in these environments, I need you to pay attention to me. It's a different kind of mental workout. It's about self-control rather than free exploration. And here's the thing If you only ever do sniff walks, your dog may struggle with boundaries in a busy or overstimulating place.

Speaker 1: 1:56

They might pull lunge or completely ignore you when it matters the most. But if you only ever do structured walks, your dog misses out on the freedom, relaxation and mental stimulation that sniffing provides. They can start to feel frustrated or pent up, sometimes leading to behavior problems at home. When you balance both types of walks, you meet all of your dog's needs Physical exercise, mental stimulation, emotional outlet, training and control when necessary. And it doesn't have to be complicated.

Speaker 1: 2:34

You can even combine both in the same outing Start with a few minutes of structured walking through the neighborhood, then transition into a relaxed sniff session at the park or on a quieter trail and then end with another brief period of structured walking as you head home. Or you can decide that today is a sniff walk and tomorrow is going to be a training-focused walk. But communicate clearly with your dog. Maybe use a specific word like free, to let them know that they can sniff and explore the world, and a word like let's go to signal a structured walking time. Dogs are smart. They'll pick up on these type of different expectations if we're consistent. Keep in mind your dog isn't just your walking buddy. He's also a thinking, feeling, curious creature all on his own. So giving him both types of walks allows him to be a dog, but then also allows you to keep him safe in those more public spaces.