Unlock the joy of walks: How to keep your dog excited at every step

• Mental Stimulation: Walks are a sensory smorgasbord for your dog. Every sight, smell, and sound is a new chapter in the fascinating story of their neighborhood. If they had a bucket list, “sniff everything possible” would be right there at the top. The scents left on the mailbox, lamppost, and every second bush are like social media for our dogs – and they love catching up on the latest local gossip.
• Bonding: Walking together strengthens our bonds with our dogs. Whether you’re silently plodding along or having a one-sided conversation about your day (we’ve all been there), your dog is just thrilled to be by your side. For them, every walk is quality time with their favorite person. When I embark on a new housesit, even the friendliest of dogs put up shields once their owners leave. However, that shield quickly comes down on our first walk together and by the time we return, we’ve begun to form a bond. 
• Potty Breaks and Exercise: Yes, it’s functional too. Whether your dog is a working breed or a cozy lap-dweller, they need the chance to stretch their legs and take care of business.

Do Dogs Get ‘Bored’ of Walking the Same Route?

This question crosses the minds of many dog owners – after all, how many new routes can you possibly walk from your front door? In my experience, I’m not convinced dogs even get bored. Sure, they might appreciate the excitement of a new trail, but they also find comfort in the familiarity of their favorite spots – that same lamppost, the scent of a well-marked tree, or the chatter of the local squirrels they pass every day.

While variety can be fun, many dogs thrive on and prefer the security of routine. The familiarity of their usual walking route provides a sense of safety, especially for dogs that might feel anxious in new environments. That said, if your dog is starting to give you those “been there, sniffed that” looks, it might be time to spice things up!

Benefits of Routine Walks

• Predictability and Comfort: Dogs thrive on routines. The same daily walk can feel like home turf, reducing anxiety and stress – especially for pups who prefer a world free of surprise encounters. (No unexpected squirrels or hissy moggies, thank you very much!)
• Health Benefits: A steady, reliable walk helps keep your dog’s cardio and digestive systems healthy and their joints flexible.
• Behavioral Improvements: Regular exercise and mental stimulation reduce stress and may help prevent unwanted behavior. 

Active Walking

If you feel like your dog might be itching for something new, these active walking tricks will add some stimulation to the familiar trail:

• Incorporate forage Games: Turn the usual walk into a foraging party. Drop a few treats (just their regular dog cubes will do) in grassy spots and have your dog "seek" them out. More than just an exciting new element to their routine, this allows our dogs to use their greatest strength, their sense of smell, to find treats. It’s also great mental stimulation for them, helpful in preventing cognitive decline. Some of the dogs we look after have never experienced anything like this exercise and are genuinely bewildered. They might snuffle up the most obviously visible treat and think that they’re done - keep patting the grass and repeating ‘seek’. Each time they find a little treat, they’ll get a better idea of what they’re supposed to be doing. Within two or three sessions, most food motivated dogs will be ready and keen to root out every treat. They’ll keep at it long after every treat has been found too.
• Add Training Elements: Walking is the perfect opportunity to practice commands. Mix in some “sit,” “stay,” or even “high-five” for a fun, interactive experience. Every time your dog checks in with you or makes eye contact, give them a treat – it’s a great way to keep them engaged and reinforce good habits. You’ll feel like a dog whisperer, and they’ll feel like a genius!
• Focus on Engagement: Put down the phone (unless, of course, you're taking that perfect snap of your dog’s cuteness!) and really engage with your pup. Being present and aware of their reactions to the world around them makes the walk more enjoyable and fulfilling for both of you.

In Summary

By making a few small tweaks to the usual routine, you can keep your dog engaged and happy without needing to stray too far from the beaten path. Remember, for your dog, it’s not so much about where you go, but who they’re with – and that’s you!

And hey, if you’re planning that much-deserved holiday you’ve been putting off, why not let us take care of your dog’s daily adventures while you’re away? At Running Duck Pet Services, we know how much your pets mean to you. That’s why we offer personalized care tailored to your dog’s routine – because every pet deserves to enjoy life, even while you’re away. Book your next housesit with us, and rest easy knowing we’ll keep the tail wagging!