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Add Some Excitement To The Everyday Dog Walk

11/8/2013

16 Comments

 
PictureDidn't we take this walk yesterday?
Typist: Bethany
It has been a crazy couple of months here in Cascadia for us nomads. We thrive on adventure and being too busy for wild journey's is tough on all of us. Since the dogs are always smiling, it is most likely that we humans are the one's who are bored with taking the same old dog walks through the neighborhood. But I bet the dogs get a little tired of it too. Try as we might, we fit dog humans can't always make every walk a super exciting adventure... or can we? Even when life gets in the way of awesome road trips and exciting dog travels, we humans can find ways to spice up the same old walk. Any way to make the humans happier to be out getting some exercise with the dogs likely makes the dogs a bit cheerier as well

Our usual walks when we are busy take us out into the neighborhood to run errands. We walk the same streets and go to the same places
. And we don't have a lot of extra time. *yawn.* So lately I have been working on making our dull errand walks a bit more fun. It doesn't take extra time, but it adds a little extra excitement:
  • Walk on the other side of the street. Years ago when I worked as a personal trainer, I told clients to do this because the slope of the street can change their workout and muscle balance. Now I suggest doing it while walking the dog so they can sniff something new!

  • Turn left at the end of the driveway instead of right. Or right instead of left. Both fit dog and fit dog walker will instantly feel a bit more adventurous on the walk if it starts out going a different direction as usual. Sometimes I let the dogs pick which way we go. They love that. Unless two of them go one way and one goes the other way... then I suppose only the majority loves it.
Picture
Hurry up! My legs aren't going to wear themselves out.
  • Choose a slightly different route. When we don't have time to wander Cascadia, trying to get lost, we'll walk one block over from where we usually walk. Even if it is just for a short portion of our walk, I can tell the dogs appreciate the new scents.
  • Enjoy the sights and smells. When you are busy and stressed, studies have proven that being outdoors relaxes you. Don't you think it's also likely to relax your dog? So enjoy the clouds blowing overhead, the leaves falling or the dew on the grass while your dog enjoys sniffing the breeze, the leaves falling or some other kind of moisture on the grass.
  • Be sociable. Visiting friends or pet friendly businesses always wears our dogs out. While socialization is no substitute for getting your dogs heart rate up, stopping to say hello to friends and neighbors while out on a walk gets your dogs a lot of the daily stimulus they need in short period of time.
  • Intervals. It doesn't take much extra speed to spice up your walk. Mixing a faster paced walk or a jog into your usual routine is the best way for both you and your dog to get exercise fast. When I am not feeling my best and I just don't have even a 60 minute walk in me, a 30 minute walk with as few as three faster paced intervals mixed in, makes the dogs very happy.
  • Sit. Practice a few simple obedience commands along the walk. Extra stimulation for the dogs; multitasking for the humans.
  • Call in reinforcements. Our dog walker doesn't give our dogs enough strenuous exercise, but having her come when we are sick is better than nothing. Having someone else at the end of the leash for a change is fun and exciting for our dogs.
Picture
Thank you for the walk even if it is short and boring.
Most people say that when they get busy the first thing that gets dropped off their to-do list is walking the dogs. Our dogs would never allow that to happen but when we are sick and crazy busy, it is so hard to get them the exercise they need and the adventures they deserve. All we humans can do is our best and we know the canines at least appreciate our efforts.
Picture

What do you do to add excitement to your daily dog walking routine?

16 Comments
Tenacious Little Terrier link
11/7/2013 03:27:02 pm

I take Mr. N on errands with me so he gets exercise and socialization and I don't have to go out twice. Win win. Of course this is a lot easier with just one.

Reply
Bethany
11/7/2013 03:34:10 pm

I feel bad when our only walk of the day is an errand walk- even though they are often over five mile walks and 60 minutes or so. But you're right that it is nice to multitask the dog walk with the errands!

Reply
Molly The Wally link
11/7/2013 06:40:56 pm

We go to the park for a lark everyday but as I chase squirrels I like it that way. I need to terrorize my territories. Have a fabulous Friday.
Best wishes Molly

Reply
SlimDoggy link
11/7/2013 09:35:18 pm

Great tips as always. I sometimes fall into the same rut - same walks/same runs/same route, I purposely try to mix it up a little to keep it interesting for them as well as for me! Thanks for the tips on how to mix it up! And thanks for joining the Hop.

Reply
Paws and Pedals link
11/7/2013 09:42:13 pm

Looks like you've got some great ideas for mixing it up. I doubt those doggies would ever get bored of your lifestyle.....

Reply
Taryn link
11/7/2013 10:19:14 pm

My dogs are true creatures of habit! Trying to turn them right out of our court, instead of the usual left, results in firmly planted feet. LOL! But to spice things up, I pop them in the car and just drive to a different section of my large subdivision. It doesn't add much time (5 mins) but it totally changes things up. John picks up a stick and gets them all riled up, tossing it a few times.

Reply
Roxy the traveling dog link
11/7/2013 11:03:07 pm

Good tips. When we are stationary for a while, I try to mix it up. Like you said....for me and them.

Reply
Francesca Villa link
11/8/2013 04:26:44 am

I didn't knew you where a personal trainer! You should give me some advice! I need to loose some weight and fast! :)

Reply
Bethany
11/26/2013 12:54:12 pm

*blush* I WAS a personal trainer. Past tense. I began to feel bad taking people's money when the secret to weight loss is so simple- burn more calories than you consume!

Reply
Jodi Chick link
11/9/2013 12:32:43 pm

We like to bring a tug toy along and when we stop at a corner or for a car, we play tug while we wait.

We also do the let the dog lead walk and shaking it up with different routes. Our neighbourhood is built on a grid, so it makes it really easy to find new sniffing ground.

Reply
Bethany
11/26/2013 12:55:40 pm

Bringing a toy along is a great idea, Jodi. Our neighborhood is pretty much a grid too so we can almost always walk a different block every ten to twelve days or so.

Reply
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner link
11/10/2013 11:57:39 am

I always try to vary our walk, even if it is just slightly. Chester and Gretel don't care but it makes all the difference to me.

Reply
Bethany
11/26/2013 12:57:10 pm

Chester and Gretel are hounds so of course they care! They want to sniff new scenery just as much as you want to see it.

Reply
Kristin
11/12/2013 01:23:15 pm

"Thank you for the walk even if it is short and boring" Love this caption, and I know that face too well. My dogs live for their walks. I try to keep things exciting by taking them different places. They love exploring new environments.

Reply
Bethany
11/26/2013 12:59:40 pm

Our three definitely never let a day go by without a walk and although I feel bad when it is the same old, same old, I know it is better than nothing. The looks on their faces and their body language is just so much more fun for me when we are on an adventure somewhere new!

Reply
Rob link
1/24/2014 12:15:49 am

Varying the walking route is definitely the best way to keep your dog entertained on walks. New sites and smells are always great. When we moved to our new neighborhood, it was a great way to discover cool new places and to learn what was around us.

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