This is why you shouldn't walk your dog everyday

This is why you shouldn't walk your dog everyday
© Getty/ Maskot
This is why you shouldn't walk your dog everyday
More under this ad

‘Skipping some walks can help both dogs and owners alike de-stress’, dog trainer, Nikki French.

If you are a dog parent, you probably take your canine companion on daily walks, because, well, it’s what dogs like to do. But, a seasoned dog trainer says this could have a negative impact on the health of your pup.

Discover our latest podcast

‘Don’t walk your dog day’

53-year-old dog trainer, Nikki French, has been championing a campaign to get dog owners thinking about other heathy alternatives to daily walks.

More under this ad
More under this ad

According to the author of the book, ‘Stop walking your dog’, contrary to the popular notion out there, you may not be helping your pooch by walking them everyday. She explained to The Mirror:

Replacing walk time with training games at home can give the dogs the skills they’re missing to live calm and happy lives. 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
More under this ad
More under this ad
thumbnail
Getty/ Mike Linnane / 500px

Other things in your toolkit

French, who owns a two-year-old rescue named Brodie, said he became calmer when she reduced the amount of daily walks he was getting. In place of that, she set out to introduce enrichment games which have helped build his skills.

More under this ad
More under this ad
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. Playing games at home is a great way to build skills our dogs need and boost our relationship with them.

Just as walking in very hot or cold weather may be unpleasant for most humans, dogs might not enjoy being out in those conditions either. For owners of yet-to-be vaccinated pups, or dogs who are feeling unwell, a walk may not be a good idea, French said.

More under this ad
More under this ad

Read more:

Desperate plea has been issued to help this 'super sweet' dog find a new home

This ‘most overlooked’ dog is still hoping to find a forever home after 900 days of ignorance

This adorable dog was reunited with his owner 10 years after being 'dognapped'

More under this ad