What exactly is the purpose of a dog walk? Is it an exercise in obedience training? An existential meditation? A convenient way to exercise both man and beast? Or merely a means to an end? Today, as most days, I managed to touch on all four of these possibilities. That is why dog walks are so wonderful.
Dune is a super-sniffer. While I was out walking him, he lagged behind a bit more than usual, taking extra long to sniff and urine-mark. I’m guessing it’s because of the new dog that’s been wandering the neighborhood.
I found his lackadaisical pace a tad annoying. I pondered my irritation (the meditation part) and realized it was partly because I like to go at a good clip (the exercise part), but also because I prefer to exert my “leadership” from behind. I like my dogs to be out in front of me, where I can see them, especially on an off-leash walk. It’s a much safer vantage point and doesn’t require me to multi-task so much or feel like I’m performing at a theatre in the round.
When my dogs are out in front of me I know exactly where they are and what they’re doing. I can easily spot on-coming distractions or dangers and request a quick sit-stay or recall. I also can (and often do) readily call them back to me just for an ear scratch, maybe a tasty morsel or quick toss of the ball, and then I can release them to sniff and range once again as a reward for their good behavior.
When I’m out walking my dogs, we practice distance sits and downs (obedience), and occasionally do bits of fancy heeling or agility front-crosses, too (training). This keeps me both interesting to my dogs and in control of their activities.
For most dogs, the unbridled freedom of the dog walk is a fabulously powerful reward, and including some brief training exercises in our walks teaches my dogs that playtime and training are not mutually exclusive. Blurring the line between training and fun is money in the bank for reliable responses (there’s that obedience thing again) and further establishes my leadership role, for those who choose to label it so. I like to call it plain old good communication and relationship building.
Many people view the daily dog walk as a chore or just completely check out while their dog runs amok at the park. If you are one of these people, I’m here to tell you that you are both missing out and wasting a fabulous resource! With a little bit of effort, the dog walk can be the most fun and productive activity you do with your dog.
To make the most of your walks, follow my lead and integrate many mini-training interludes into the mix. For off-leash playtime or hikes, if you only call your dog to come when the fun is about to end or, even worse, to scold her, you may unintentionally be teaching your dog to avoid coming when called.
However, if you practice recalls throughout the activity and reward heavily for compliance, your dog will learn that coming to you when called is usually a win-win situation. You call, she comes running, gets a great reward such as a quick game of fetch or a fabulous morsel of chicken, then gets to go back to playing with other dogs, or ranging and sniffing, or whatever her canine heart desires. What could be better? It is your job to convince your dog that coming to you immediately and quickly when called is an excellent idea.
If your dog isn’t so hot at coming when called, try teaching her to target your hand with her nose by placing a tiny piece of food between your fingers and presenting your open palm for her to sniff and lick. Gradually add distance to this game and before you know it you’ll have another way to get your dog to eagerly come to you. Occasionally surprise him by breaking out his very favorite toy on a walk, another great technique for building an eager recall.
For leash-walks, if your dog is a puller, please don’t just continue walking! Instead, slow down her momentum by stopping frequently to practice your sits, downs, and eye-contact. Reward with a moment of silly play, some snuggle time, or with a food reward to encourage her to check in with you frequently and to do your bidding when requested.
My New Year’s challenge to you is to reinvent your dog walk finding ways to make this regular chore more magical and less mundane. Happy trails!
Kelly Gorman Dunbar is Director of the Center for Applied Animal Behavior, where she recruits and trains the instructors for the Dunbar family business, SIRIUS® Puppy & Dog Training. She is the creator of the SIRIUS Sniffers scent-detection program, and is in the process of bringing the French sport of cavage (truffle hunting) to the US. Kelly is also Founder and President of Open Paw and consults on various matters.
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