Don't Walk the Walk

I don't go on walks with my dog.

At least not the "Lets just go around the block before bed" type walk.

How often do you see someone walking a dog, on a flexi-lead, on their phone, not even aware of the dog and what it's doing and vice versa. Personally, I don't get that at all.

If you are going to walk you dog, here are some things I'll share so you can make the most out of it.

Why I don't "walk"

First off, we fill our days with training. This could be obedience, conditioning, tricks, environmental exposure, nose work, play or just doing nothing.

YES! Doing nothing IS training. More on that later.

I don't do traditional walks because it's boring for both of us. For me, I want to work on being engaged with them or have them work on being more independent from me so I balance the two. Doing things with my dogs is engaging. Cot work while I do other things and time in the crate is working on independence. Dogs have tons of mental and physical energy, they were bred and meant to work and do jobs and be around and engage with humans. A walk around the block once or twice a day isn't what they're meant to do.

Additionally, if my dog isn't trained or I can't count on them to be behaved why would I go into a situation that will be counterproductive to our goals?

Dogs get loose and run up to you

People can be unpredictable and stupid whether they're walking, biking or driving.

Broken glass, needles, garbage and more...

If your dog isn't ready to appropriately handle Real Life, you have to train and prepare them for it before going out.

Key points if you want to walk your dog or are going to:

• Get your house in order- If your dog isn't ready and capable of walking appropriately, you need to prioritize other training like solving and stopping negative behaviour, environmental exposure and basic obedience and get that on lock first.
  

• It's YOUR walk, NOT the dogs- They just get to come along. They are allowed to come so long as they behave themselves.
  

• Engage with them while you walk- Obedience here and there, a little environmental work like climbing something or walking over or through something you come across, work some short recalls. Don't let it be just a walk around the block.
  

• Walk with purpose- If possible, carry some training equipment (cot and long line) and walk to a destination like a park. When you get there, have some fun with them- run, play, obedience, place work and just have them chill as the world goes by.
  

• Put on some muscle- Maybe your dog is a little overweight or could build some muscle to support their growing and aging body. Adding an element of health and fitness to your walks with a weight vest, weight pull harness and very light weight or pick up the pace and get them into shape!

You can do more for your dog and your relationship than just walking.

You both deserve it.