With warmer temperatures giving all of us a bit of spring fever here at the Dog Training Now studio, we have been seeing more and more owners dusting of their leashes and heading out on long walks with their dogs. Unfortunately, the springtime promises of daily walks can fall short after a month or two – not due to weather issues, but due to boredom. Owners can get into a rut of walking their dog, and while the dog still appreciates the chance to get out and nose around a bit, everyone can get a bit bored of doing the same thing. In the hopes of setting you and your dog up for a healthy walking relationship, here are a few of our favorite ways to keep you from the dreaded bored walk routine.

Switch up your route
One of the biggest boredom factors is sticking to the same route in your neighborhood. Try to switch up your route throughout the week. Take different side streets, reverse your route and go the other way, cross the street and use the opposite sidewalk. Any of these techniques keep things interesting for both of you; dogs get new things to sniff, owners get new things to look at. Win – win.

Get in the car
If you are feeling bored to tears on your usual daily walks, mix it up by putting your pooch in the car and heading to a new place entirely. Check out a local forest preserve, walk a new trail across town, or simply explore another neighborhood or subdivision.

Add obedience
Adding obedience practice to your walking routine is great for you, but even better for your dog. Exercised dogs are better listeners, and adding in commands during your walk is a fun way to practice. Put your dog in a down stay at corners or practice ‘come’ at stoplights while you are waiting for the light to turn. Remember to give your dog lots of praise when they get the command correct. It is rewarding for them, and it is exciting to watch them look to you at corners for what to do next.

Make a pit stop
During your walks, consider making a pit stop to play at a nearby creek or nature area. Dogs love the chance to jump over logs or dip their toes in the water. Keep your companion on his leash, but let him have a little bit of fun too.

Up the pace
If you are a jogger, consider creating a running partner in your dog. If your dog’s breed, age, and activity support a bit of a quicker pace than a walk, you might both enjoy running a few miles together over the next running season. Just remember to keep your dog hydrated and watch for any signs of soreness after the run.

Grab a friend
We often walk more than one dog at a time here at the studio. Pack walks are a great way for your dog to learn how to behave with a friend on a nearby leash. Give your friend a call and meet for a walk around their neighborhood; you get a partner to visit with and your dogs get some socialization too.

Make unexpected stops
All dogs need to encounter different situations in order to make them more social and adaptable. You can use your time walking to make some unexpected stops that encourage those situations. We often encourage owners to walk by busy construction sites, loud intersections, and even parks. Your dog will become more confident among loud machines, running children, and other unique situations when those situations are not surprising or confusing for them. Practice makes perfect!

This spring, make a commitment to get your dog out for at least one walk daily. It is great for your dog and you will find that you benefit as well. If you are worried about your dog’s leash manners, or if a pulling puppy makes your walks less than enjoyable, give us a call! We are experts in making happy walkers. Here’s to spring!