More than just a walk
How I think about a good walk — and why it's about far more than simply tiring a dog out.
More than just tiring them out
A good walk isn't about spending an hour running around until your dog is exhausted. While there's always time for play and a good run around, I aim for the majority of our walks to be calm and structured.
This gives the dogs plenty of opportunity to sniff, explore their surroundings, interact calmly with the group and take everything in at their own pace. All of this provides valuable mental stimulation, without constantly keeping them in a highly excited state.
The aim is for your dog to come home happy and fulfilled, rather than completely overstimulated and struggling to switch off. Over time, this also helps dogs learn that being out with their friends doesn't always mean they need to be running, wrestling or playing — sometimes simply walking together and enjoying each other's company is just as valuable.