Walking A Dog 101: Turn Every Walk Into An Adventure
Walking a dog on the regular might seem like a chore - but there are so many ways to keep things interesting for you and your buddy! Here are a couple, including how to stay on top of their safety & well-being.
You probably know that walking a dog is one of the best ways to keep you both healthy – plus, it’s an essential part of being a good dog parent. In fact, vets recommend walking your buddy at least a few times a day to help them get their daily exercise.
But if you’re finding yourself groaning at the thought of your daily dog walk, we’re here for you! Here’s how you can turn every step outdoors with your buddy into an adventure – and stick to your routine for a lifetime. (Plus, the number one way to plan for a runaway dog emergency.) Let’s get started!
6 ways to make walking a dog more fun – for both of you!
If you have ever felt like there are hundreds of things you’d rather do than walking your dog, don’t feel guilty – we’ve all been there. What you really need are new ways to spice up your dog walks. Good news: we’ve compiled 6 of the easiest ways to make your dog walk more fun.
1. Explore new walking paths
The easiest way to add some fun to your dog walk is to go somewhere new. Choose a path you have never been to before… it may turn out to be an adventure to remember! Finding new paths can help you avoid boredom on your everyday dog walks.
Whether it’s a new park, hiking trail, or street in your neighborhood, you and your dog will both have fun exploring the new surroundings.
Plus, with each new place you explore, you increase your dog walking options for the future.
Want to take it one step further? You can also play ‘follow the dog’ – a dog walking game where you let your dog lead you.
Your dog will love the freedom to explore, and you’ll discover what’s most interesting for your dog. Let them follow their natural canine instincts and sniff things along the way.
⚠️ And if you’re worried your dog might run off by themselves if you let them explore, you wouldn’t be the first – and you certainly won’t be the last dog parent to think so.
Whether you’re a professional or beginner photographer, walking a dog is a great opportunity to practice. You can have fun photographing your dog in different places, in all sorts of weather, in every season. The finished product will be a lifelong collection of memories with your dog.
Want to get in the photo? Master the art of taking selfies with dogs or ask a kind stranger to snap your pic. Let’s face it, you probably look adorable next to your dog.
So why not start capturing moments, starting with your next dog walk?
3. Get a friend or a loved one to accompany you
If you’re stuck in super couch potato mode, we do get it. Maybe the weather’s rubbish outdoors or you’re just not feeling 100%. So on days like these, ask a friend, housemate, neighbor, or relative to join you on a walk with your dog. (Perfect for when you need an accountability partner.)
This can help you get the exercise, vitamin D, and outdoors time all of you (including your dog!) need.
Plus, your friends also get to hang out with your dog! (And you, of course.)
You also have that extra layer of security when heading outdoors – especially if you’ve got company.
But if you’re, say:
Far apart from family or loved ones…
…who also love your dog (and you, of course!)…
…and who’d also like to monitor you two’s safety…
Then why not share your walk virtually with them?
💡With your trusty Tractive device, you can share your dog’s live location and path in real time with family and friends using a simple link.
Or if they have the Tractive GPS app too, share your dog’s tracker with them and allow them to track your furry buddy anytime.
Your loved ones will know exactly where you are, and you can send them updates and photos along the way.
Plus if your dog runs away, you’ll have a friend who can help you track and find them!
“The LIVE tracking is my #1 recommendation when it comes to peace of mind.
Besides that, Tractive’s Family Sharing feature is super helpful. Both let me monitor how Charlie’s doing even if I’m not around.
Plus, with the Family Sharing, my parents can use the app as well. So if I’m not around and Charlie goes missing, they can check where he’s run off to.
We’ve all struggled with finding an excuse to socialize sometimes. (Or just approach that cute guy or girl with a dog of their own!) So what better way to break the ice and make some new friends and acquaintances than with your dog?
In fact, saying hi to your neighbors while out walking a dog is a great way to ensure you’re both familiar faces. (Meaning, they can alert you if they notice your dog having jumped the fence or wandering into their backyards.)
Fellow dog parents are (usually) always happy to talk endlessly about their puppies. Plus, they’re a great source of tips and tricks if you’re a first-time dog owner.
Dog walks can also be a great way to meet that special someone – now you’ve got an excuse to see them at least a few more times 😉
⚠️ Just be mindful that not all dogs or dog parents might want to be approached while out in public. It could be that their dogs are a bit nervous or anxiety-prone – or might even bark or bite if around strangers. (Or neither are in the mood to socialize.)
So just a simple “Hi!” should do it – be respectful of fellow dogs’ and dog parents’ space, and always ask before petting or interacting with another dog.
5. Get active during your walks!
Combining some exercise with your daily dog walks is a great way to keep it exciting – both for you and your buddy. Like, for example:
Running, biking, or even hiking with your dog – as an alternative to the same old walking route. Just be sure to be safe, and follow the local regulations in your area.
Carrying some of your dog’s favorite toys and treats along. (Like their favorite ball or tug-of-war rope.) You could try a treat “scavenger hunt” to keep your buddy on their toes – i.e., hide some treats around and let your dog sniff them out, one by one.
Training along the way, especially for skills like loose leash walking or some basic dog commands, like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come back.” Refreshing these commands can help your dog stay mentally active – along with learning new tricks, of course.
💡Plus, if you’ve invested in a Tractive device, you can even set activity goals for your buddy – and get that little dopamine rush from hitting them every day! Perfect for staying motivated to your dog’s health and well-being, especially on those “lazy days.”
6. Warn other pet parents about “danger zones” nearby
Another way to stay on your toes and vigilant while out walking a dog? Mark out any spots nearby you’d rather not have your dog sniffing around, running headlong into, or just being anywhere near.
Other toxic substances, like pesticides, snail bait, or weed killer (which can make your dog very sick if they lick any of these surfaces by mistake)
Any amount of garbage, which could include food and other leftovers – including foods toxic to dogs – which your dog might end up bolting to get a bite out of.
No more a chore: 6 tips to make walking a dog a daily adventure!
We’ve all had those “off days” where you’d rather not do anything but nap and/or watch Netflix. But with these 6 tips, you’ll be on your way to making your dog walks a fun everyday adventure – for good.
So if you’re looking to get walking a dog without finding it a chore, you could:
Explore new walking paths besides your usual ones. The novelty can help keep things interesting for both you and your buddy. Plus, with a GPS tracker strapped to your buddy’s collar, you’ll have the peace of mind you can find your dog no matter where they run off to while exploring.
Take a ton of pics! Make some memories and share some joy with your friends and loved ones. (Plus keep you both safe.)
Get a friend or a loved one to accompany you on your walks. This way, all of you (including your dog) can get some exercise, outdoors time, company, and safety all in one go.
Socialize with your fellow dog walkers. Walking a dog is one of the easiest ways to get to know other dog parents, plus your neighbors. All of whom can help you in your search in case you’ve got a runaway dog situation at hand.
Get active during your walks with some of your dog’s favorite toys and treats or even taking your dog running, hiking, or even biking with you. Tracking their daily activity is a great way to check if they’ve gotten enough exercise.
Keep an eye out for “danger zones” while out walking a dog. If you’ve invested in a Tractive device, you can report a danger via your mobile app (like an area containing wild animals or substances toxic to dogs.) Your report gets broadcast to fellow pet parents nearby as well.
Track their every step in real-time – plus, over an unlimited range,
Log their daily active minutes and check if they’ve hit their activity goals for the day
Mark out any “danger zones” on your walking paths, keep clear of them – and warn other pet parents too.
All this in one device – built with love for dogs and for your peace of mind as a dog parent.
Always know where your dog is
Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Wellness Monitoring. And let others – like walkers or sitters – keep an eye on your dog too.
