This article aims to present helpful advice about how to make a dog walk more fun for you and your pet.
For some people, taking their dog for a walk can feel like a chore. It’s not always the most pleasant experience to have to walk around the block with your pet every day, some pets can have lots of energy, and just not tire quickly, and after a long day at work, you might only want to walk at a slower pace because you are tired from using your brain all day looking at all those spreadsheets.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can make the experience more enjoyable for both of you. You might want to consider other options such as taking your dog on new routes with new smells, adopting different moving speeds based on the terrain.
“For me, a dog walk doesn’t count unless the dog has been able to run free…”
I indeed love dogs, but sometimes not all of our walks are for exercise: sometimes it’s just as important to let our dogs experience the world around them without having to be attached to a leash. I’m sure you know what a dog lead is. You’ve seen them in use and are most likely aware of the laws about when they should be used, such as warning signs telling people when a dog on the lead is coming down a certain path. But how many of you know that there are some wonderful places where dogs can be free from leads?
There are many hills in the countryside in Somerset and other areas, where dogs roam free without any need for a lead whatsoever. There is so much more to these hills than just great views for both you and your pets; places like this can have loads of benefits that make life with your four-legged friend all the better! Research has shown that many dog owners are nervous to ditch the lead and allow their dog to roam freely because they are afraid that their dogs will not come back when called.
This is not the case! Just bear in mind, that this isn’t recommended for new puppies as they will need a great amount of puppy lead training before they can be trusted to run loose, but don’t let that put you off, walking your puppy on a lead will still make them a great exercise buddy for you even if you are only getting moderate exercise.
For Example:
In one study dogs spent more time interacting with other humans when off of a lead than on one. However, many dog owners still prefer to walk their dogs on a lead, some of them have been known to tie a piece of rope around their dog’s neck before they go for a walk and will continue to leave that rope hanging there even after the walk is finished. You might ask yourself, is this necessary? But owners often report that putting a rope around your dog’s neck can help him or her to focus and to behave better, it seems like it harnesses the attention of your dog.
It’s also important that before you take your dog to a park, make sure to check the area for any signs or regulations. Don’t worry about whether other dogs will be friendly and be confident that your dog will behave well around them. Since dogs are social animals they can easily learn and adapt from other dogs.
If you have never ventured too far from home when walking your pet then don’t worry, the Somerset countryside is a beautiful spot, offering beautiful walks for you and your furry friend.
Here are some of the best places to visit on a dog walk in Somerset:
The walking distance is typically 7 km (4.3 miles), Some parts of the walk are easy and others may not be. Take note of any uneven ground on your way. You can park there for free but must park on the road.
The walking distance is typically 4.1 km (2.5 miles), the difficulty level here is easy to moderate, and it has an information centre right at the beginning of the trail. The terrain is pretty flat and has some hills in places. As for parking, you have to park in town.
The walking distance is typically 2.5 km (1.5 miles), I would rate this walk as moderately easy, with lots of paths and gardens. Parking is not free here, but the view is worth it.
This beach is not specifically marked. It’s up to you how far you walk along the beautiful beachfront and it’s a very easy difficulty to walk across. There’s a lot of sand, but watch your step when the tide is out, as there can be a lot of mud. The parking lot has plenty of spots, and it’s free on the beach but beware some places do charge for parking nearby.
The walking distance is typically 6.4 km (3.9 miles), and I would rate it at a moderate difficulty level. One advantage is that there is a lot of beautiful woodlands to see, the terrain can be a bit uneven in places and has very hilly parts. Unfortunately, there is no free parking.
A way that I have found to make my dog—walking routine a little more exciting is by hiding dog treats along the way. Dogs love scavenging for food, so they will be excited about this scent game. You can start by figuring out where you are going and then placing the treats along that route in a few strategic spots. Make sure you start by placing the treats in an area that your dog has never been before. You can choose to put them in front of a big tree or behind a rock. Be careful not to place them too close together though because it could turn into an intense race between you and your dog to see who can find the treat first!
If you have never been to the place before then this is a great way for you to plan out the layout of the land, and it will serve as a great way to keep your pet entertained along the way, while you focus on discovering the new route for the first time.
Take your dog on a walk for the weekend or head to a park and bring the whole family or even some friends with you. Bringing your whole family can be a lot of fun, and it will get them outside for some moderate exercise with you and your pet. The best part of playing games with your pet is having other people to play them with. The more people there are, the more exciting and fun the game will be for you all, and also you will feel the benefit of exercise, so it gives you, your pet and all the family a chance to have some fun while releasing lots of energy.
Dogs need socialisation to learn how to interact with others. This is so that they can be comfortable in a diverse society, and not be scared when they meet different types of people. If it is an older dog or an inexperienced puppy, they can be helped by interacting with other dogs, they will learn from the surrounding dogs, and they will have companionship. Training your dog or pup is just the beginning. Dogs that are not socialised at a young age can grow up to be fearful and shy. Keeping them socialised will help make them more outgoing.
Please try to remember to ask other owners for permission before you and your dog engage in interactive exercises with their pet.
It is worth considering whether the behaviour you are seeking to eliminate is something that motivates your dog into action.
For Example:
Some dogs like to eat, others chase things around the house, some dogs don’t like to be alone in the house and others will bark at every distraction that they see, and let’s not forget the ones who chase cats. It’s important to recognise which of these motivators are involved and what might trigger them. This will help you then tailor your training approach accordingly. It’s important to remember that there are many breeds of dogs, and each different breed can show varying behaviours and characteristics, such as size, colouring, body and coat, even temperament.
Small terriers are often more aggressive than a larger working breed of dog, like Labradors. To better understand your dog and their behaviour, you need to know their personality, what they like and dislike, and what motivates them. Then you have lots of opportunities to work with them and get a feel for their body language, then you and your exercise buddy can have a nice bonding exercise on a walk that they’ll enjoy.
If you struggle to get a feel for your dog’s body language or behaviour then don’t be afraid to seek expert advice from a professional, they will be sure to help point you in the right direction and can maybe even recommend a bonding exercise or give advice on training your pet.
It is a good idea to reward your puppy for completing tasks on walks. If your pet is behaving well, and you are using a recall, then you should give them lots of praise and a reward. The treats should only be in small amounts though, as too much can lead to your dog putting on weight which can be bad for their health. Try to stick to healthier treats and a more natural diet for your pet.
Training your pets should also deserve a reward if they have completed the said training successfully, whether it is a quick training session, obedience training or even puppy lead training, when you are rewarding your dog for good behaviour, make sure that you can see that they have understood what you told them in the first place.
Fetch can be played with almost any plush toy, and a game of fetch can be played indoors or out. Remember that no toy is indestructible, so always ensure that you know how to use your pet’s toys safely.
Here are some great ideas for some different types of exercise and a few different ways to play fetch with your pet:
Playing the fetch game with your pet can be lots of fun and it’s a great way for you to bond with your pet. It’s also an excellent source of daily exercise for them as it gets their heart pumping and helps them to stay fit, which is detrimental to their health. It can also be great for you if you suffer from mental health, which in the long run will improve your mood and quality of life.
Without realising it, this can be a great training opportunity for teaching your pet how to retrieve an item and return it to you. After a while, this will become a fun game for your pet and a regular training session. It gives your pet a lot of mental stimulation and is a great source of physical exercise as part of their daily exercise routine.
Throughout the walk, keep a close eye on your pet and keep talking to them. Give them plenty of love and attention throughout the walk. If you see them running across a field, just stop and give them some love and attention. When they realise that they can trust you, they will return and start playing nice with you.
You can use your dog’s lead as something to keep them close and comfortable with you if you are in a busy place that perhaps isn’t ideal for letting them off of the lead. Doing this will help to keep them relaxed and close to you, allowing you to spend some quality time together. If they have strayed too far away on the lead, then make sure that you reel them in closer.
Before you begin your walking routine, make sure that your pet has enough water for the duration of the walk. You don’t want them to get dehydrated on your long walk as this is not good for their health. If you’re worried about your pet getting dehydrated, you can carry a backpack with a water bottle. Not only will this help to prevent dehydration, but it’ll also make your walk a lot easier without you having to stop and turn back to get something for them to drink.
Planning your next dog adventure can be fun, especially if you visit a new area. It can be very relaxing and calming to take your dog to a new environment where they might not be exposed to certain things that prevent them from being comfortable with other dogs. Why not book a camping weekend away for you and your pet, being away can give you the time and space that you need for a bit of stress relief, it can also give you the perfect training opportunity for you to plan out your training regime and move at your own normal pace without feeling pressured with other pet owners around.
So as you can see, possessing a healthy and happy dog is not that hard. Be a responsible dog owner and be sure to follow these tips. Be sure to have lots of fun, try out different types of exercise and see what option works best for you and your pet.
