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.
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!
Always know your buddy is healthy & safe
Read more5 ways to make walking a dog more fun – for both of you!
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.
2. Take pictures, make memories
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 you need. You also have that extra layer of security when heading outdoors – especially if you’ve got company.
4. Say “Hi!” to your fellow dog walkers
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. So 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.
Where a smart dog tracker steps in
A smart dog tracker like the Tractive GPS device goes beyond simply locating your pet. It’s a comprehensive tool designed to enhance safety and fun during your dog walks. The Tractive app includes a dedicated “Walk” feature that lets you record your strolls, capturing the routes you and your dog explore together. This is a great way to revisit favorite paths and even discover new ones.
You can also review your completed Walks at any time on your mobile app. Revisit your adventures, see how much distance you two have covered, and how much time you’ve spent on your walks. So you can use your routes for a little inspiration when planning your next walk.
For those moments when your dog is enjoying some off-leash freedom in a designated area, the Tractive tracker offers a sense of security. Its LIVE Tracking feature provides real-time location updates, showing you your dog’s every move on the map with updates as frequent as every 2-3 seconds.
You can also set up Virtual Fences – customizable safe zones on the map. If your dog wanders out of this designated area, you’ll receive an immediate escape alert on your phone, giving you time to react quickly. (Or, likewise, if they enter a “no go zone.”)
Tractive also fosters a community of pet owners through its Danger Reports feature. If you come across something hazardous on your walk, such as wild animals, poison, bait, or traps, you can report it directly in the app. This creates a visible warning for other Tractive users in the vicinity, helping to keep the entire community of pet parents informed and their dogs safe.
Keep track of your dog’s daily adventures
Follow every step with unlimited range Live Tracking. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Activity & Sleep Monitoring. Get Health Alerts if something seems off.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
