When you own a dog, walking your pup becomes an essential part of your daily routine. You’ve got to take them out when you wake up (or when they wake you up, more likely), when you get home after work, and before you head to bed. While walking your dog is easy, it can start to feel a little bit boring after a while. If you find yourself in a dog walking rut, we’ve got tips and tricks on how to make dog walking more fun for both you and your pup.
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Invest In a Leash You and Your Pup Both Love
Having a good dog leash is essential to taking your dog on walks. You’ll want to invest in a dog leash that’s sturdy and can stand up to the wear and tear of time. You’ll also want to get a leash that suits your style. Look at it this way: you’ve got to walk your dog three times a day, so you’re going to want a leash that you like to look at! If you’re a fan of bold hues, you could opt for a leash made of flex poly coated material in a neon green shade. Or, if you want something simpler, you could get a classic black leather leash. There are also retractable leash options, which come with a long fabric leash that attaches to your dog’s collar or harness that you can retract if they go too far, or get a bit rowdy when they see another dog.
You’ll definitely want to factor in your dog’s size and activity levels when choosing the right dog leash for them. For instance, if your dog is larger and more active, like a German Shepherd, you’ll want to get a dog leash that’s shorter and easier to control, unlike a retractable leash. More active dogs also tend to get a bit messier on their walks, so it’s a good idea to look for a leash that’s washable, so you can clean it whenever you need to.
Change Up Your Walking Route
The easiest way to spice up your current dog walking routine is to chance up your usual walking route. If you find that you always tend to turn down the same street after leaving your house, go in the opposite direction and explore a new walking route in your neighborhood. Your dog will appreciate getting to check out some new sights and smells, and you’ll get the chance to know your neighborhood a little better.
Go for Adventure Walks in Nature
If you really want to up your dog walking game, take your dog with you on an outdoor adventure walk in nature. Visit a hiking trail that you’ve always wanted to try and bring your pup along for the ride. Or, if you’re more of a beach fan, bring your pup with your for a long walk on the beach at sunset. Beach walks are also a perfect opportunity to change up your dog walking pace and go for a nice jog on the sand. Both you and your pup will get a dose of exercise for the day too!
Let Your Dog Lead the Way
You always navigate your dog’s walks, so next time, hand the reins over to them (metaphorically speaking of course!). Let your dog guide you as they amble about your neighborhood checking out any smells that interest them. You might find a new path that your pooch loves! Letting your dog guide you will also make the experience more leisurely for your pooch, so they can really enjoy it. Remember which way your dog led you and you can add the route to your walking rolodex to switch things up at a later date.
Bring a Pal Along
If you’ve got a bestie who also owns a dog, make it a furry friend double date! Your pup will adore having a walking companion, just as you’ll love getting the chance to catch up with your pal. By having them interact with another dog, you also give your dog some much needed socialization time, as dogs need to interact with other pups to stay mentally healthy. If you’re tired of your usual walking route, offer to commute to your friend’s neighborhood so you and your pup can take in some new scenery.
In Conclusion
Changing up your daily walking routine is a great way to make it more fun for your and your dog. There are plenty of simple things you can do to make walking a delight: get the best kind of dog leash for your pup, try a new route in your neighborhood, go on an outdoor adventure, let your pup lead the way, or bring a friend along. Plus, by switching up your dog walking routine, you’ll get to make new memories with your furry friend that are sure to last a lifetime.
