How do you make a dog walk more fun and challenging?

Sniffing, sniffing, and more sniffing

For a dog, a walk is more than just exercise and doing its business; for many dogs, it is their daily opportunity to explore the outside world. So during the walk, take a few extra minutes to stop and let your dog sniff around. If you find it annoying to stop every few meters to let your dog sniff, you can choose to schedule a few 'sniff breaks.' Taking a few short sniff breaks consciously is a fantastic way to keep your dog sensory and mentally stimulated.

Another fun way to add some extra sniffing challenge is by sprinkling some treats in the grass or hiding some treats at eye level, for example in a tree (TIP: Riverwood reward snacks are ideal for this!). Sniffing games where the dog learns to find a treat and is rewarded for its tracking work will provide that little extra mental stimulation.

Sit, down, stay!

Is your dog known as a true circus performer because it is well-trained and knows lots of tricks? Super impressive! But does it obey just as well outdoors? Dogs are generally more easily distracted outside, making it much harder to hold your four-legged friend’s attention when surrounded by new smells, sounds, and other stimuli. You can make walks much more challenging by including some obedience training during the walk. Basic obedience exercises like sit, stay, down, and heel are always good to include, but recall training or command training are also fun exercises to vary with. Training in different environments (such as during walks) will improve your dog’s impulse control. Additionally, it’s a great way to sharpen your dog’s focus.

Let the dog choose the route

We understand that it might not be the best idea for a morning walk before you have to go to work or for the last walk before going to bed, but what would happen if you let your dog decide the route and pace? Whether he leads you to the park where there are many rabbits or takes you to the water so he can enjoy a swim; your dog might surprise you with where he prefers to go. By letting the dog choose the route instead of taking the usual path yourself, you give your dog the chance to show you what he finds interesting.

Don't forget to enjoy

When you're in a walking slump, walking the dog can feel like a chore that has to be done. Hopefully, the tips above can motivate you to make every walk a celebration again. The last thing we want to share with you is to especially enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful nature. Take a few deep breaths during the walk and take in your surroundings. It's wonderful to end the hectic day with a relaxing walk with your beloved four-legged friend by your side. And be honest: an enthusiastic wagging dog eager to go on an adventure with you automatically brings a smile to your face, right? 😊

Many dogs already enjoy Riverwood every day. Do you want your dog to also enjoy our delicious foods and are you curious which variant would suit your dog best? Then answer a few questions here and order a discounted trial pack right away.