Kickstart 2025 with Walk Your Dog Month 

 Parents News have teamed up with The Healthy Pet Store to offer you the chance to win:

1. A Company of Animal 5m training lead
2. Soft Chicken with Cod Sandwich Woolf Snack treats
3. Lamb Chunkies Woolf Snack treats
4. Duck Chunkies Woolf Snack treats

Read the informative article below with helpful tips about walking your dog. The question and how to enter the competition are all below.

January isn’t just the start of a new year – it’s also Walk Your Dog Month! A great opportunity to get outside, embrace the fresh air and kickstart your New Year’s resolutions with your loyal companion by your side.

Whether you’re aiming to increase your physical activity or simply want to spend more quality time with your dog, consider the needs of your canine friend. Pull on your walking boots, grab the leash and explore the world together!

Expert dog trainer, Jeanette Muldoon, from The Family Dog Club, is a member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and has teamed up with Healthy Pet Store as our guest blogger this month.

Jeanette gives dog caregivers great advice, particularly for pets showing behaviours associated with stress or frustration who are reluctant to walk.

Here are some top tips to help make walkies an enjoyable experience for everyone.

The importance of daily walks

For most dogs, daily walks can be beneficial for their physical and mental health. Regular exercise may help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles and support cardiovascular health. Dogs love exploring on walks, particularly in rural areas which offer important mental stimulation. Sniffing new scents, seeing different sights, and encountering other dogs may reduce anxiety and boredom.

They also get to spend time with a human they love – and for dog caregivers, the benefits are just as positive. Walking may improve cardiovascular fitness, may reduce stress levels, may enhance mental wellbeing and the fresh January air can invigorate both body and mind!

Tailor walks to your dog’s needs

Don’t feel guilty if you can’t walk everyday – commit to a 10 minutes ‘sniffari’, or 15 minutes hiding some treats around the house or garden. While we recognise different breeds prefer certain activities, don’t let this pressure you into thinking this is what you must do with your dog. For example, working breeds such as Malinois or Dachshunds thrive on having a ‘hobby’ like tracking, barn hunting and scent work.

Understanding your dog’s specific requirements ensures their walks are both enjoyable and beneficial.

Make your walks engaging and safe

Some ways to make the most of your outings:

• Let your dog lead the way (safely) to explore new scents
• Use puzzle toys or treats during breaks to engage their mind
• Practice cues like “sit” or “stay” in different environments for training reinforcement

In winter, safety is paramount. Protect your dog with reflective gear or a cosy coat for visibility and warmth. Some dogs love to drink from standing and moving water sources, but even if it’s cold, carrying fresh water might be a welcome refresher.

While many dogs love their daily walks, not every dog finds them enjoyable. For some, walks can be a source of stress. Recognising the signs of stress in your dog can help you adapt their routine to ensure they feel safe and secure.

Signs your dog isn’t enjoying their walk

If your dog is stressed during walks, they may display behaviour such as:

• Pulling on the lead to return home or to the car
• Being hypervigilant, constantly scanning their surroundings
• Displaying body language like a tucked tail, ears pinned back, or shaking
• Subtle signs, such as yawning, panting, or lip licking

If your dog is reluctant to go out, needs to be coaxed through the door, or spends the walk disengaged and on edge, it may be time to reassess their walking routine.

Decompression time for rescue dogs

Rescued or rehomed dogs often need time to settle into their new environment. Known as the ‘decompression’ period, this adjustment phase allows dogs to relax, maybe rebuild their trust in humans and adapt to new sights, smells, and sounds.

During this time, walks may do more harm than good, especially if the dog is still feeling unsafe or overwhelmed. Instead, focus on helping your dog feel secure at home. Once they are more comfortable, start with short walks in quiet areas where they can gradually build confidence.

Avoid trigger stacking

Trigger stacking is when a series of stressors build up over time, overwhelming your dog’s ability to cope. Even dogs who have previously been calm can start to react – barking, pulling or refusing to engage during walks. To avoid this, give your dog rest days, particularly after negative encounters with other dogs or people.

The key to enjoyable walks is creating a routine that prioritises your dog’s safety and comfort. Watch for signs of stress, provide them with plenty of positive reinforcement and be patient as they adjust. Remember, walks should be about quality, not quantity – it’s ok to take a step back and allow your dog the time they need to feel truly at ease.

When to seek help from a behaviourist

If your dog consistently shows signs of stress during walks or avoids them altogether, it may be time to seek the advice of a qualified, positive reinforcement-based behaviourist. There are many potential reasons for walking-related anxiety, from past trauma to underlying medical issues such as pain or mobility problems. Before addressing behavioural concerns, it’s essential to consult your vet to rule out any health-related causes.

Behaviourists can offer guidance based on your dog’s specific needs. For example, a dog who is fearful of other dogs may require a different approach than one who struggles with traffic noise or new environments. Therapy work often starts with confidence-building exercises in a quiet, rural area, progressing slowly as the dog becomes more comfortable. By adjusting the plan as needed, a professional can ensure your dog’s experience is stress-free.

Competition Question:

If your dog is stressed during walks, they may display behaviour such as? Name just one and send your answers with your name and address to Fergus@parents-news.co.uk.  Make sure the email subject is marked as “Healthy Pets” One lucky winner will be drawn randomly on 1^st Feb 2025

For more advice or to explore Healthy Pet Store’s full range of pet care products, visit their Totton store; shop online  or call 02380 868598.