Walking your dog isn’t just a daily chore—it’s one of the most important things you can do for their health, happiness, and connection with you.

4/15/2025 | Sniff & Bark

But if your pup could speak up, we’re pretty sure they’d have a few thoughtful suggestions for making walk time even better.

Let’s dig into five things your dog wishes you knew about walks—backed by canine behavior research and plenty of real-life tail wags.

1. Sniffing Isn’t “Wasting Time”—It’s Mental Exercise 

To you, a sniff stop might seem like a delay. But to your dog, it’s their version of reading the morning paper. According to animal behavior experts, dogs rely on olfactory information far more than visual or auditory cues—their noses are 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours!

💡 Science Says: A 2019 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that allowing dogs to sniff freely on walks actually increases optimism and lowers stress.

✨ Try This: Once or twice a week, take your pup on a “sniffari”—a walk where you let them set the pace and follow their nose.

2. New Routes Keep Your Dog’s Brain Sharp 

Walking the same block over and over can get stale for both of you. Varying your walking route activates your dog’s curiosity and gives them the mental stimulation they crave.

💡 Why It Matters: Studies have shown that environmental enrichment—like exposure to new places—can improve cognitive health in dogs, especially as they age.

🌿 Try This: Switch it up weekly—visit a new park, explore a nearby trail, or even just reverse your usual route to offer a fresh perspective.

3. The Right Gear Supports Both Style and Safety 

Dogs may not care about color palettes, but they absolutely feel the difference when their gear fits well. A poorly fitted harness can cause rubbing, limit movement, or even lead to injury over time.

💡 What to Know: According to the American Kennel Club, a well-fitted Y-front harness helps distribute pressure evenly across the chest, supporting your dog’s posture and preventing neck strain—especially for pullers or flat-faced breeds.

👗 Bonus Perk: Looking fabulous doesn't hurt either. A harness that feels good and turns heads? That’s what we call walking in style.

4. Training + Play Makes Every Walk More Enriching 

Walks are the perfect time to reinforce good leash manners, work on commands like “heel” or “leave it,” and build confidence through positive interactions.

💡 Research Insight: According to the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, short bursts of positive training during regular walks can reduce anxiety and behavioral issues by creating a predictable, reward-based routine.

🐕 Try This: Bring a handful of treats and reward your pup for checking in with you, walking by your side, or politely greeting others.

5. Destination Walks Make Memories ☕

Routine walks are great—but destination walks? Next-level joy. Whether it’s a pup-friendly café, beach trail, or a scenic picnic spot, giving your dog a fun endpoint can help reinforce positive associations with leash time.

💡 Emotional Benefit: Dogs thrive on shared experiences. Heading to a favorite place together builds your bond and gives your pup something to look forward to.

🦴 Pro Tip: Bring a travel bowl and water, maybe even a special treat—because adventures are better when they end with snacks.

So, What’s On Your Dog’s Walk Wishlist?

When you tune in to your pup’s preferences and add variety, enrichment, and comfy gear to the mix, you’re not just giving them exercise—you’re nurturing their wellbeing.