Expert Advice for Better Dog Walks
Dog behavior experts advise owners to focus on walk quality over quantity, avoid pulling, and use treats to improve the experience for both dog and human.
Many dog owners may be walking their pets incorrectly, according to experts cited in The Guardian's Filter newsletter. Dr. Candace Croney of Purdue University's Center for Animal Welfare Science and professional dog trainer Jas Kelem provide key strategies to transform routine walks into more fulfilling activities for dogs.
Set a Walk Goal
Before leaving the house, owners should identify the purpose of the walk. Dr. Candace Croney suggests this goal could range from physical exercise to mental stimulation. She warns that owners often have expectations without considering the dog's perspective. We sometimes take them for walks having expectations of what we want to happen, and we don't think about what's happening on the other end of the leash, Croney says.
Avoid Pulling on the Leash
Applying pressure to a dog's neck via the leash is harmful, Croney states. The recommended technique is "loose leash walking," where neither the dog nor the handler pulls. Owners should also resist yanking their dog away from frequent sniffing, especially if mental enrichment is the walk's goal. Croney explains that sniffing allows dogs to gather key information about their environment, calling these opportunities "some of the most important" for a dog to understand the neighborhood.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
There is no universal formula for the perfect dog walk. Jas Kelem advises owners to prioritize how fulfilling a walk is rather than its length or frequency. Dr. Croney agrees, emphasizing that a walk's structure depends entirely on the individual dog's needs for both exercise and mental stimulation. This aligns with a point made by Filter contributor Tim Stevens, who noted that a dog can become problematic if it receives too little or too much stimulation.
Use High-Value Rewards
Carrying treats is essential for managing walks effectively. Dr. Croney recommends having high-value treats that you reserve only for unexpected or hard, challenging situations. Kelem adds that owners should reward good behavior proactively, before the dog misbehaves. For owners needing a way to carry these rewards, Stevens previously recommended a specific treat pouch in his guide to dog enrichment products.
The experts conclude that mindful walking, tailored to a dog's specific needs, is key to a healthier and happier pet.
