We all know that taking a walk with our dogs is one of the healthiest ways to spend quality time together. It gets us moving, boosts our health, and—bonus!—helps melt away stress after a long day.
I personally miss those walks with Laika around our Berkeley neighborhood. After living in the San Francisco Bay Area for 22 years, it’s not the city itself I long for—but those daily routes we explored every spring, breathing in the fresh scents of whatever was blooming that morning? Pure magic.
But here’s the secret: walking your dog doesn’t have to be just about putting one foot in front of the other. With a few tweaks, you can turn your daily stroll into a powerhouse of mental and physical benefits—for both of you.
Here’s what I do with my dogs, and what I recommend to all my clients:
1. Gear Up Right
Your dog’s “walking outfit” matters. Harnesses are fantastic tools—better than collars for control and comfort—but only if they fit well. Too low, and the shoulder straps can trip your dog up. Too tight, and you risk painful chafing. Avoid using collars if your dog tends to pull; every tug can choke them. Instead, teach loose-leash walking or try a front-clip harness to gently curb pulling.
2. Let Them Sniff Freely
Sniffing is your dog’s superpower. As dog cognition expert Alexandra Horowitz says, “Dogs smell the world as we see it.” Sniffing engages a huge part of their brain and provides rich mental stimulation. Use sniffing as a reward—when your dog walks nicely on a loose leash, let them enjoy a sniff break. It’s like a mental treat!
3. Practice Basic Commands on the Go
If your dog knows sit, stay, down, or leave it, sprinkle these commands into your walks. Having your dog sit patiently at a street crossing is great—but why stop there? Adding variety and challenges keeps their minds sharp and reinforces good manners in real-life situations.
4. Handle Dog Greetings with Care
It’s tempting to let dogs say hello on walks, but on-leash greetings can be stressful and awkward. Instead, teach your dog to stay calm and look to you when another dog passes by—click and treat this calm behavior. This teaches your dog that seeing other dogs means good things, reduces frustration, and strengthens your connection.
5. Teach Relaxation in Busy Places
If your dog can pause and watch the world go by without losing their cool, that’s a superpower too. Start with short breaks in quiet spots and gradually work up to a few minutes surrounded by distractions. This teaches your dog to relax even in stimulating environments—a valuable skill for life.
Bonus tip: If you want to truly tire out your pup, remember that walks alone often aren’t enough to burn off all that energy. Mix in playtime, training sessions, or other physical activities to keep your dog happy, healthy, and well-exercised.
So next time you grab that leash, think beyond the stroll. With a little intention, every walk can become a fun, enriching adventure—for you and your best friend.
If you want to do more with your dog, consider these upcoming sessions: