5 Tips To Enhance Walks With Your Dog
Written by: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth
There are a few ways you can enhance your dog's walking experience. Below are our favorite ways to make your daily walks more exciting, more fun, and also safer for your dog.
1. Let Your Pup Sniff Around For Mental Stimulation
Dog walks are not only for physical stimulation but also for mental stimulation. This may seem like a bother if you are in a hurry, but remember smell is very important to a dog and sniffing while outdoors can provide loads of enrichment. Teaching commands such as “go sniff” and “walk” can be helpful.
2. Bring Healthy Treats
Reward your pup for walking by your side or not chasing that squirrel with low-calorie treats. They can also help when teaching those commands mentioned in tip one.
Try Wild Earth Dog Treats Today!
3. Use A Harness Instead of A Collar
Collars are great for ID tags, but for daily walks, a well-fitting harness is often the safer and more comfortable choice. When a dog pulls or suddenly lunges on a collar, that pressure is concentrated around the neck and throat. This can be especially concerning for dogs prone to collapsing trachea, intervertebral disc disease, neck sensitivity, or breathing issues.
Small dogs, in particular, benefit from a harness that is intentionally designed for their size and anatomy. A secure small dog harness should sit comfortably on the chest, avoid pressure on the throat, and allow natural shoulder and front-leg movement without rubbing near the armpits.
“For small dogs, the right harness fit matters just as much as the harness itself,” says Stephanie Wiggins, founder of DJANGO, a USA dog gear company focused on comfortable, secure walking and travel gear. “Look for a lightweight harness that adjusts at both the neck and chest, stays stable during movement, and keeps leash pressure away from the throat.”
For larger dogs, comfort, stability, and security are key. Look for a harness with a padded structure, adjustable fit, and sturdy hardware that helps keep your dog secure without putting pressure on the throat. DJANGO’s Tahoe Harness is a popular everyday dog harness for large dogs. It offers a supportive padded design, front and back leash attachment points, and a secure fit for walks, training, and outdoor adventures.
4. Avoid Retractable Leashes
Retractable leashes may seem like a great way to give your dog more freedom, but they can be risky during everyday walks. Because the leash length changes constantly, it can be harder to maintain control near streets, other dogs, cyclists, children, wildlife, or unexpected distractions. A dog can quickly get too far ahead before you have time to react.
Retractable leashes can also create sudden jolts when a dog reaches the end of the line, and the thin cord can pose a risk of tangling, rope burn, or injury to both dogs and people.
If you want to give your dog a little more room to sniff and explore, consider a fixed-length leash that offers freedom without sacrificing control. A versatile hands-free leash, like DJANGO’s Adjustable Hands-Free Dog Leash, gives dogs up to 6.5 feet of room to roam while still keeping them securely connected to you. This can be especially helpful for relaxed neighborhood walks, hiking, training, or times when you want your hands free but still need reliable control.
5. Bring Plenty of Water For Your Pup
Remember dogs don’t sweat as we do, they pant to release heat and regulate their body temperature. This makes it easier for them to overheat and/or become dehydrated. Make sure to offer your dog water during your walk, especially during warmer months.