Level Up Your Dog Walks
Are your dog walks starting to feel a bit too repetitive? Looking for some change? If you're trying to make your daily outings with your favorite furry friend feel more enjoyable, we've got some great tips for you. Here are 20 ways to make your dog walks more fun for both you and your pet!
1. Bring Treats
What dog walk is complete without some special treats to reward your good doggo with at the end? If your furry friend was well-behaved during the entire walk, it's worth giving them a delicious treat that they'll jump in joy for. Seeing them that excited and happy is really a reward for you too!
2. Explore New Locations
Tired of walking down the same neighborhood street everyday? It's time for a change up. No one said you're limited to walking in the same area all the time! Try visiting somewhere different to keep things fresh and exciting not just for you, but for your dog too!
3. Practice Training
If you're in the process of training your dog new commands, it's a great time to test their progress during walks. It makes each dog walk feel more goal-oriented, making each outing more purposeful. You'll find yourself excited to see how things are developing too!
4. Go With Friends
Bringing a friend or a loved one along with you on your walks can make this a much more enjoyable activity if you're craving someone to talk to. This can be especially helpful on rainy days when you're dreading going out into the cold weather.
5. Meet Other Dog Owners
Don't be afraid to open up and meet other dog owners while on your route. You might just make new friends this way, and the bonus is, you'll already have something in common to talk about - your dogs!
6. Play Hide-n-Seek
A little game of hide-n-seek can keep both you and your dog on the tips of your toes (or paws) as you run around trying to sneak past each other. Not only will you have fun testing your ability to slip past your furry friend, you'll get to watch their impressive (or not so impressive) detective skills unfold right before your very eyes. It makes any walk more engaging!
7. Bring Toys
Dog walks don't have to be a mundane activity, why don't you stop at a park and have some playtime on top of it? Bring some of your dog's favorite toys and watch them run around in excitement as they enjoy the best part of their day. And hey, it could be yours too if you let yourself have fun.
8. Let Your Dog Take Control
This might sound a bit confusing, but letting your dog take the lead simply means letting them explore and take you on new paths. It can be a fun switch-up if you're looking for a breath of fresh air! Who knows where your pup might take you?
9. Jog Instead of Walk
No one ever said dog walks had to be, well, walks! If you're looking to get active, take these mandatory daily walks as an opportunity to get fit! Start off with a slow jog and slowly build up to a light run if you're able to. This way, you and your pet both get a satisfying workout in.
10. Enjoy The Scenery
It can be easy getting caught up in routine, but that's exactly why we encourage dog owners to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy what's around them during their regular dog walks. Stop to appreciate the blooming flowers, the changing of the leaves, every little beautiful detail nature has to offer. It can make you enjoy these walks so much more!
Delphine Beausoleil on Unsplash
11. Schedule Group Walks
Do you have friends near you that also have dogs? Why not schedule group walks so both you and your dogs get some fun time to socialize? Doing so will make your walks feel more like a hangout rather than a chore, especially if it's on a day where you're feeling particularly lazy.
12. Loose Leash Walking
If you know your dog is well-trained and well-behaved, why not test out some loose leash walking? You'll have to keep a close eye on them still, but it's all about trust. Let them run around, explore, and take in all the sights; after all, they've been waiting for this all day!
13. With Some Music
You'd be surprised by how a little music can really turn things around! Plug in your headphones and enjoy your walk to some of your favorite tunes. This little addition can really add a pep in your step.
14. Take Some Pictures
Just because these walks are done daily doesn't mean they aren't precious memories! Grab your phone or a camera and snap some pictures on your next dog walk; you'll realize that it's these "boring" activities that are most special in the long run.
15. Stop Going On Your Phone
Ditch the Internet! We know it's hard to put the phone down, but trust us, having a moment to yourself (and your best furry friend) is worth the 30 minutes of silence. Doing this will help turn your daily walks into moments of meditation, peace, and relaxation.
16. Appreciate Your Dog
And if you manage to go phoneless during your walks, take this time to really pay attention and appreciate your dog! Observe how happy these outings make them and how much this simple activity makes their day. You want to make sure you fully enjoy these ordinary yet meaningful moments with them.
17. Switch Up The Time
Depending on your schedule, changing up when you go for walks can provide you with different scenery that can help make your walks feel different and new. Consider morning walks for peace and quiet, or evening walks where you might catch the sunset. These small yet effective changes can help you make things more fun for yourself.
18. Let Someone Else Go
Here's a unique option that might make things more fun for your pet - consider letting someone else take them on a walk! Whether it's a relative, friend, or partner, everyone has different walking habits and this change up might provide something refreshing for your dog.
19. Get Them Cute Accessories
Whether it's a fancy leash or cute and warm clothes for the colder seasons, getting your dog a cute set of walking accessories can make things fun for you. As long as they're comfortable with it, it might make your walks seem more snap-worthy! We're sure you wouldn't complain about all the compliments too!
20. Improving Your Attitude
Life is all about perspective! If you're awfully busy and find it harder to enjoy your daily walks because you have no time, it's time to change your outlook. Instead of thinking of it as a chore, think of it as special bonding time between you and your favorite furry friend. Think of it as a chance to unwind, rather than an exhausting task. Being more positive will allow you to enjoy your walks so much more.
