An expert dog walker has challenged the idea that pet dogs need to be walked every day., saying in some situations it might not be helpful. Niki French, bestselling author of STOP Walking Your Dog, says the act of taking a dog for a daily walk is dependent on many factors.
Instead, she urges alternative forms of dog-friendly exercises and recommends owners expand their tool-kit while keeping the well-being of their dog front and centre. Niki said: “I am not saying dogs should not go for walks. There are some dogs and some situations where it is not helpful to walk a dog.
"For example, if dogs are nervous, anxious or reactive of strangers or other dogs, or if the dog has had surgery. Some dogs have anxiety triggers, so it may be that they need a rest from walking. Dogs need plenty of exercise, so offer alternative forms. Yes, walks are very stimulating and healthy for us, however it is helpful having other things in your toolkit when you’re unable to go for a walk.
"I do think it’s important that dogs can sniff and enjoy the outdoors. Other activities can enrich a dog’s life too. I’ve had people say to me: ‘Thank you for speaking out, my dog gets really anxious when outside.’"
Niki recommends taking your dog for a walk a few times a day if it is social and confident to do so. She said: “The number of times you take your dog out for a walk depends on the dog. It is very dog-dependant, so I’d say between 0-3 times a day. Some clients’ dogs will be good for a walk between 2-3 times a day."
"If a dog is social and confident, or if it's nervous, the walk is specific to what a dog’s needs are. Duty of care is key. People do sometimes take on dogs without realising how much time they require. Do an activity that builds relationships.
"You do need to do something else instead of the walk, not just watch Netflix. Having a dog is a big commitment "Dog training takes a lot of time. Dogs change over time and with that, so do their needs and habits. You need to keep topping up their training. Dog training is never finished.
"Dogs do need training throughout their lives which helps them live calm and happy lives. Dog training should always be fun. If you have a dog that is calm and relaxed when at home and outside, that is a beautiful thing. If a dog is nervous and barky, that is a sign it is not coping very well, which can also be stressful for humans."
Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare expert and clinical animal behaviourist, said: “All dogs are individuals. Their exercise requirements will depend on their energy levels, health, age and external factors such as the weather and heat.
“Generally speaking, all dogs benefit from daily exercise and enrichment and Defra’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs says dogs need daily exercise. It’s also important to remember that going for a walk every day isn’t just an opportunity for dogs to exercise and use up energy, but also an opportunity for them to go to the toilet and to exhibit their natural behaviours, such as sniffing and socialising with other dogs.
“Anyone who is concerned about their dog’s behaviour or anxiety while out on a walk should speak to their vet. The vet may refer them to a clinical animal behaviourist, as there could be an underlying health problem.”
Stop Walking Your Dog: A Guide to Training Your Nervous, Reactive, or Over-Excited Pup is Niki French’s book. It seeks to help people understand there is more to activity than just taking a dog for a daily walk. For more information about dog training visit Niki French’s website.
