
Kickstart 2025 with Walk Your Dog Month
Parents News have teamed up with The Healthy Pet Store to offer you the chance to win:
- A Company of Animal 5m training lead
- Soft Chicken with Cod Sandwich Woolf Snack treats
- Lamb Chunkies Woolf Snack treats
- 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 1st 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.
You may also like
By Penny McCarthy
Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.
Archives
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- January 2011
Categories
- About Parents News
- Afternoon Tea
- babies
- Bank Holidays
- Best buys
- Christmas
- Days out guides
- Easter School Holidays
- Education & Books
- Featured
- Food
- Free
- Halloween
- Health & Fitness
- Holidays
- London
- Midlands
- National News
- North East England
- North West England
- Northern Ireland
- School holidays
- Scotland
- South East England
- South West England
- Theatre
- Things to do
- toddlers
- Travel Blog
- Wales