A BIG PROBLEM: DID YOU CHANGE YOUR DOG’S WALKING ROUTE RECENTLY?

Are walks not fun anymore?

As a pet parent, you probably pride yourself on giving your dog the best care—whether it’s healthy meals, tasty treats, top-notch grooming, quality bonding time, and a couple of walks every day. You’re doing all the right things to keep your dog happy and healthy, but there’s one small thing you might be overlooking.

What’s that, you ask?

Changing your dog’s walking route!!

Yep, that’s right!

Why Changing Your Dog’s Walking Route is a Game-Changer?

Think back to the days of lockdown during the pandemic.

How did it feel, stuck in the same routine, confined to your house with no change in sight? The monotony was exhausting, and eventually, we all longed for a change of scenery.

Well, guess what? Your dog feels the same way when you walk them on the same route every day!

Dogs may not have the words to tell you, but if you keep walking them on the same path, their walks are bound to get stale. Boredom can set in quickly, and that’s the last thing you want for your pup.

Why Changing Your Dog’s Walking Route is a Game-Changer?

1.      Allows mental stimulation

 Dogs experience the world through their noses, and every walk provides a new opportunity to sniff out different scents. If you take the same route every day, your dog’s environment becomes predictable. However, a new route can provide a fresh variety of smells, sounds, and sights, each one a new sensory experience for your dog to enjoy.

Switching up your route stimulates your dog’s brain, keeping them alert and engaged.

2.      Physical Exercise: Different Terrains, Different Workouts

Walking on the same flat, paved streets day after day doesn’t challenge your dog’s body in the same way that varied terrain does. By switching up your route, you expose your dog to different surfaces such as grass, gravel, sand, or even trails which work different muscles.

3.      Prevents Boredom and Reduces Restlessness

If your dog’s walks become routine, they might start to show signs of restlessness. You might notice them pulling on the leash, becoming overly excited when you head out the door, or even acting out with undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.

Changing the route every now and then helps break up the monotony and keeps your dog more relaxed and calmer. The unpredictability of a new route makes walks feel more exciting and rewarding, and your dog will look forward to the adventure.

4.      Enhances Socialization Skills

New routes often mean new environments, and different environments mean your dog is likely to encounter new people, animals, and sounds. This is a great way to improve your dog’s socialization skills. Whether it's meeting new dogs, interacting with people at the park, or simply walking past a busy street, exposure to different situations helps your dog become more confident and well-adjusted.

How Often Should You Change Your Dog’s Walking Routes?

Aim for 2-3 times a week to introduce new paths or routes into the mix. On other days, you can stick with the familiar routes if that’s what works best for you and your dog.

So, Next time you leash up your dog for a walk, think about how you can mix things up. Whether it’s a new route, a different park, or a longer adventure, both you and your dog will reap the benefits of variety and exploration.

Happy walking!