When walking your dog, should you change the route every day or stick to the same path? Japanese dog trainer Takashi Kanakura has summarized the three main benefits of both "changing routes daily" and "taking a fixed route". He also teaches you how to find the best walking method based on your dog's personality. Let's take a look together!
3 Major Benefits of Changing Your Dog's Walking Route Every Day
1. Mental Stimulation to Prevent Boredom
Dogs are naturally curious and love exploring new environments and scents. Changing the walking route introduces new stimuli that help activate their brains and keep boredom at bay. This is especially beneficial for energetic breeds and puppies with strong curiosity.
2. Increased Adaptability
Different routes expose your dog to a variety of people and other dogs, helping them develop social skills. This makes them less likely to get nervous during outings or when traveling in the future.
3. More Well-Rounded Exercise
Varying the terrain, path width, and walking pace along different routes requires your dog to use a wider range of muscles. This contributes to maintaining overall physical health.
3 Key Benefits of Having a Fixed Walking Route for Your Dog
Walking your dog along the same route every day may seem simple, but it actually brings several important advantages for both you and your furry friend. Here are the three main benefits of maintaining a consistent walking path:
1. Comfort and Stability
Taking the same route daily helps your dog feel more secure and relaxed. This is especially beneficial for older dogs, sensitive dogs, or those prone to anxiety. Familiar surroundings have a positive impact on your dog's mental well-being, reducing stress and promoting calmness.
2. Easier Training
A fixed route allows your dog to focus better on learning good walking manners. For example, they can be trained not to pull on the leash and to respond reliably to commands like stopping. Repetition in the same environment helps reinforce these behaviors more effectively.
3. Reduced Risks
By walking the same path every day, you become more aware of potential hazards—such as busy traffic areas or slippery spots—making it easier to keep your dog safe during your outings. This is particularly important for dogs that are frail or elderly.
Overall, establishing a regular walking route is simple but brings significant benefits for your dog's health, safety, and behavior.
Should You Change Your Dog Walking Route?
Is it a good idea to change your walking route? Switching up the route every day can bring a sense of novelty and stimulation, while sticking to the same route provides a feeling of security and consistent training results. Both approaches have their benefits.
The ideal strategy depends on your dog's personality, health condition, and the purpose of the walk. For example, you could maintain a fixed walking route on most days but plan one or two days each week to try a new path. Alternatively, you might introduce small variations within the usual route. This not only satisfies your dog's curiosity but also helps maintain safety and effective training.
Lively and Adventurous Dogs
Energetic breeds such as Border Collies and German Shepherds often enjoy frequent changes to their walking routes. Regularly exploring new environments can make them happier and help relieve stress.
Nervous or Older Dogs
Dogs that are anxious or aging tend to feel more secure with a consistent route.
Puppies and Dogs in Training
For puppies or dogs still undergoing training, it's best to start with a fixed route to establish a solid foundation. Once they've learned basic commands and routines, you can gradually introduce new routes. This way, they can adapt to new environments without losing the training progress.
