Walking plans that reinforce the dog and handler

Each individual handler has their own idea about what walking a dog should entail. Some believe off leashing is really the only appropriate choice and for some it is about focused heel work around a very specific route. Others believe in letting their dog sniff and following the dog themselves rather than giving any real structure or rules to the outting. Personally, I would suggest all three if available to you and your dog. By balancing each focus throughout a week or two week rotation you can really draw out the best parts of each type of exercise.

Off leash exercise

Off leash exercises are the least restrictive for the dog. There is no gear slowing or impeding their movement and they are afforded the ability to go as fast – or slow as preferred. Dogs have an easier time exploring and engaging with their surroundings while off leash which increases sniffing and can really help to tire them out. Dogs being off leash gives the handler the least amount of control. This increases the likelihood of being present and engaged by the handler & can really help with recall practice. Though off leash exercise may include a dog park type environment. Continuous play with strange dogs of varying play styles decreases the likelihood of your dog sniffing and engaging with the environment itself.

Meandering Following Walks

These types of walks are usually the most enjoyed by the dog when it is necessary for them to be attached to their handler. They are more beneficial on a long line and in an open grassy area but can also be utilized in a suburban area on a shorter leash. Many trainers call this type of exercise as a decompression walk. They can be a very informative type of walk for the handler as they slow down the dog and can really showcase the dogs preferences on distance without any restraints to perform on the dog themselves. For the dog these walks can increase tolerance and compliance on more structured exercises.

Structured Walks

Structured walks are both the most reinforcing for the handler and at times the most frustrating at both ends of the leash. A structured walk is the most common form of exercise people partake in. It is where the dog is on a shorter lead and typically is expected to follow along a predetermined path. Usually this is where people try to focus on loose leash walking skills and get frustrated at extended sniffing breaks. Though these walks are not ideal for dogs all the time, if used correctly they are a great set up for short training sessions and can really help build a dog who has more handler focus. They should involve focus from the dog and handler and should be short or broken into sections of work and meandering for optimal benefit.

Each type of walk has their time and place. By mending these walks together or rotating through them on a variable structure you can really meet the full potential of training and physical exercise your dog needs.