Which type of dog walk is better for the dogs brain?

[Anonymous]

Is it better to take your dog for a walk on the same route most of the time, so they are familiar with it and can check in on whatever updates etc. there are along the route? Or is it better to try to take your dog on a different walk every time so that it’s always as new as possible? Which do they prefer and which is better for their brain?

[Anonymous]

Since you take the dog on multiple walks a day can't you do both? That's what we do.

[Anonymous]

My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

That's really sad. She needs to go exploring, making friends with her people in the neighborhood, it stimulates the brain.

[Anonymous]

Sniffing walks are best for dogs' brains, from everything I have read recently. My vet also says the same.

I don't think the route is as important as allowing your dog to stop and sniff, vs just pulling along. This doesn't mean you have to let your dog sniff as long as desired (my dog would take a 10-hour walk if allowed), but allow some stops for prolonged sniffing. The goal of the walk isn't only for exercise and potty - it is also for brain stimulation.

If you google "dogs," "sniff," and "walks," you will see some of the articles.

[Anonymous]

My dog desperately loves sniffing on walks in new places, but will take any walk he can get.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

That's really sad. She needs to go exploring, making friends with her people in the neighborhood, it stimulates the brain.

My dog has never gotten along with other dogs, since she was a puppy, despite playdates, playgroups, dog parks, training.
Most people I know don’t walk their dogs “multiple” times a day. Is that really what you and people you know are doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sniffing walks are best for dogs' brains, from everything I have read recently. My vet also says the same.

I don't think the route is as important as allowing your dog to stop and sniff, vs just pulling along. This doesn't mean you have to let your dog sniff as long as desired (my dog would take a 10-hour walk if allowed), but allow some stops for prolonged sniffing. The goal of the walk isn't only for exercise and potty - it is also for brain stimulation.

If you google "dogs," "sniff," and "walks," you will see some of the articles.

OP here. I definitely let her sniff to her nose’s content and get that umwelte. It occurred to me today to wonder if the same neighborhood route is too boring for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

That's really sad. She needs to go exploring, making friends with her people in the neighborhood, it stimulates the brain.

My dog has never gotten along with other dogs, since she was a puppy, despite playdates, playgroups, dog parks, training.
Most people I know don’t walk their dogs “multiple” times a day. Is that really what you and people you know are doing?

1. Long AM walk (an hour)
2. Shorter lunchtime walk (20-30 minutes)
3. Long PM walk (an hour)
4. Short pre-bed pee (10 or so minutes)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

That's really sad. She needs to go exploring, making friends with her people in the neighborhood, it stimulates the brain.

Oh, lord. It's the "socialization" idiot again...

One walk a day is fine for most dogs. My chihuahua mix barely even wants to do that. It's really okay, pp. There's plenty of ways to "stimulate the brain" of an average dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

That's really sad. She needs to go exploring, making friends with her people in the neighborhood, it stimulates the brain.

My dog has never gotten along with other dogs, since she was a puppy, despite playdates, playgroups, dog parks, training.
Most people I know don’t walk their dogs “multiple” times a day. Is that really what you and people you know are doing?

People without yards do take their dogs for walks, mostly because the dogs need to go and most people don't want dog waste in their house. But the pp you're replying to who's trying to guilt/shame you about letting your dog out to run is an idiot. There are birds, squirrels, hawks, and sometimes deer and foxes in my yard. There's plenty of scents to explore, and more than enough "stimulation".

A lot of newer dog owners have no clue WTF they're doing, and it shows.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I think it gets too boring for them to do the same thing over again. I let my dog choose where she wants to go in the neighborhood and if we have walked the same circle for a while, she will pull in a new direction or will want to cross into the next neighborhood and explore a little. She particularly enjoys it if we go somewhere off the pavement on hiking paths because the sniffing appears to be much better. She is a hunting dog mix, so she is very excited about sniffing opportunities. I imagine if you have a poodle, for example, it may not be so important for them. I think they like to have some routine but also then explore a little when it gets too boring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sniffing walks are best for dogs' brains, from everything I have read recently. My vet also says the same.

I don't think the route is as important as allowing your dog to stop and sniff, vs just pulling along. This doesn't mean you have to let your dog sniff as long as desired (my dog would take a 10-hour walk if allowed), but allow some stops for prolonged sniffing. The goal of the walk isn't only for exercise and potty - it is also for brain stimulation.

If you google "dogs," "sniff," and "walks," you will see some of the articles.

OP here. I definitely let her sniff to her nose’s content and get that umwelte. It occurred to me today to wonder if the same neighborhood route is too boring for her.

Does she seem bored? I've owned dogs that could go for days and never get bored, and dogs who would honestly prefer not to go at all. Your own dog's temperament is the most important factor here. If she gets excited about seeing her leash and seems happy and engaged on your walk, it's probably fine. If she seems disinterested when you pick up the leash, and doesn't really want to engage while you're walking, and tries to pull you somewhere else, well, there's your feedback.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never thought about it. I feel like even if we walk the sane way every day there are new smells right?
I walk my dog off leash on the woods about 3-4x per week ( in addition to neighborhood leashed walks) and have 2 different loops I do. He loves it and I love how he knows which way to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My dog gets one walk a day. Otherwise she is let out into the backyard multiple times a day.

That's really sad. She needs to go exploring, making friends with her people in the neighborhood, it stimulates the brain.

My dog has never gotten along with other dogs, since she was a puppy, despite playdates, playgroups, dog parks, training.
Most people I know don’t walk their dogs “multiple” times a day. Is that really what you and people you know are doing?

NP yes that's what people do! You're supposed to walk your dog a few times a day. Even your vet will tell you that!