Dog owners are being urged to stop taking their furry friend on daily walks.
A canine expert has said that owners should instead swap it for something more stimulation for the dog.
Niki French, 53, who is the bestselling author of STOP Walking Your Dog, is encouraging people to give their dog an alternative activity rather than a walk round the block, claiming not every pup thrives on daily walks.
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She told the Mirror : “It might come as a surprise, but traditional walks are a human invention and aren’t helpful for many of our dogs.
“Replacing walk time with training games at home can give the dogs the skills they’re missing to live calm and happy lives.”
Niki will launching her first ‘Don’t Walk Your Dog Day’ tomorrow, in a bid to move owners away from the traditions.
“Contrary to popular belief, dogs with behaviour struggles can get more reactive or more excitable when we try to exhaust them through too much exercise”, she added.
Niki says that she has spotted her two-year-old rescue named Brodie has become ‘noticeably calmer’ with fewer walks and more enrichment games.
"Skipping some walks can help both dogs and owners alike destress”, she said.
“When more than half of walks are stressful (for the dog or you), it’s time to do something different.”
If the weather is too hot or cold, a walk outside can be too dangerous for the dog and for puppies that aren't vaccinated, bitches that are in season, and dogs who are unwell, a walk might not be best.
"Playing games at home is a great way to build skills our dogs need and boost our relationship with them," Niki said.
She became a dog trainer three years ago, after being an animal lover her entire life. Niki's training focuses on positive reward and enrichment games like digging sandpits, playing with cardboard boxes, using lick mats and hide-and-seek activities.
"It's good to have other things in your toolkit. This applies to all dogs and surprisingly it can work best for breeds that need lots of exercise," Niki explained.
For dog owners who have reactive or anxious pets, it can be intimidating and stressful leaving the house for a simple walk.
"I want these people to know that they aren't alone, and we aren't judging them," Niki said.
If you'd like to get involved with national Don't Walk Your Dog Day tomorrow, share your experience online with the hashtag #dontwalkyourdog. For more information, visit https://go.puptalk.co.uk/awareness-day.
