What does a dog’s dream walk look like?

For many dogs, the word “walk” is enough to spark instant excitement. But have you ever wondered what your dog would choose if they could design their perfect outing?

A recent survey of dog owners, reported on by The Mirror, explored exactly that. According to the findings, owners believed their dog’s dream walk would last more than an hour, include around 16 opportunities to stop and sniff, feature some water to splash in and even provide the chance to make three new dog friends.

It certainly sounds like an adventure, but there’s no universal formula for the perfect dog walk. Every dog is different, and here in Australia, everything from breed and age to fitness, personality and weather can influence what makes a walk safe and enjoyable.

So, what can we take from the findings?

There’s more to a walk than distance

It can be tempting to judge a successful walk by how far you’ve travelled or how long you’ve been out. From your dog’s perspective, however, there’s much more happening. Walks provide opportunities to explore different environments, encounter new smells and sights and engage with the world outside the home. An energetic adult dog may enjoy a long adventure, while a senior dog, puppy or less active breed may be happier with shorter outings. Rather than aiming for a particular number of minutes or kilometres, consider your individual dog’s age, breed, fitness and behaviour. If your dog begins slowing down, frequently stopping or seems reluctant to continue, it may be time to call it a day.

Let them stop and sniff

Those 16 sniffing opportunities highlighted in the survey might sound surprisingly specific, but the idea behind them is important. Dogs experience much of their world through scent. That interesting patch of grass, tree trunk or lamp post can contain all kinds of information about the animals and people that have recently passed through the area. Giving your dog time to stop and investigate can add another dimension to their walk. Instead of always encouraging them to keep moving, try allowing some walks to happen at your dog’s pace.

You might not travel as far, but your dog may have plenty to investigate along the way.

Does every dog want to make new friends?

The survey also suggested the dream walk includes the chance to make three new canine friends. For a social dog, meeting another friendly dog can certainly be a highlight. But not every dog wants to socialise while they’re out walking. Some dogs prefer keeping their distance, while others may become nervous or overwhelmed when unfamiliar dogs approach. Watch your dog’s body language and don’t force greetings. A dog that is relaxed and showing an interest in another dog may enjoy an interaction, while one that is trying to move away or appears uncomfortable should be given space.

Your dog’s perfect walk doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.

Mix up the scenery

If you’ve walked the same neighbourhood loop hundreds of times, occasionally changing your route can introduce a whole new collection of sights and smells.

Australia has plenty of options depending on where you live. You could try:

• A dog friendly beach
• A local walking trail where dogs are permitted
• A different neighbourhood route
• A designated off leash reserve
• A shaded park
• A dog friendly bushwalking area
• A safe swimming spot where dogs are permitted

Before heading somewhere new, check local council and park regulations. Dog access and leash requirements vary considerably across Australian beaches, parks, reserves and walking trails.

Add a splash of water

Water also made the list of ingredients for a dream dog walk. For dogs that enjoy getting wet, a trip to a dog friendly beach or swimming area can add another element of enrichment and exercise. Just remember that not every dog is a natural or confident swimmer. Introduce unfamiliar water gradually, supervise your dog closely and don’t force them to swim if they’re hesitant. At beaches and waterways, check local conditions including currents, tides, water quality and warning signs before allowing your dog into the water.

And sometimes a quick paddle is all they really want.

The Australian weather matters

One of the biggest considerations for Australian dog owners is temperature. During warmer months, a long afternoon walk may not be appropriate even if your dog would normally enjoy plenty of exercise. Hot roads, footpaths and sand can become uncomfortable or dangerous for paws, while strenuous activity in high temperatures can increase the risk of overheating. Consider walking earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Look for shaded routes and take fresh drinking water with you on longer outings.

Some dogs also require extra caution in warm conditions, particularly flat faced breeds, older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and dogs with certain health conditions. On extremely hot days, a shorter walk combined with indoor games, training or enrichment activities may be the better option.

Remember Australia’s wildlife

Exploring the outdoors with your dog can also mean encountering some uniquely Australian hazards.Depending on where you live and the time of year, walking areas may be home to snakes, ticks, toxic plants, wildlife and other potential hazards. Keeping your dog close and under effective control can help you spot potential dangers before they investigate them. It’s also worth checking your dog after walks through bushland or long grass, paying attention to their coat, paws, ears and skin.

What about puppies?

A puppy’s dream walk can look very different from an adult dog’s. Young puppies are still growing and developing, so their outings don’t necessarily need to involve long distances or strenuous exercise. Shorter opportunities to safely explore different environments, surfaces, sounds and smells can provide plenty of stimulation.

Your veterinarian can advise when your puppy can safely begin exploring public areas based on their vaccination status and can also provide guidance on an appropriate amount and type of exercise as they grow.

Watch your dog, not the clock

Perhaps the most useful lesson from the dream walk survey isn’t that dogs need an hour long walk or exactly 16 things to sniff. It’s that a good walk can involve much more than simply getting from A to B.

Your dog’s ideal outing might involve:

• Time to stop and sniff
• A comfortable pace
• Interesting environments to explore
• Safe opportunities to play
• Social interactions if they enjoy them
• Access to fresh water
• Rest breaks when needed
• A route and duration suited to the weather

For one dog, that could mean an energetic hour exploring a walking trail. For another, it might be a relaxed 20 minute neighbourhood wander with plenty of stops along the way.

Ultimately, the best walk is one that’s appropriate for your individual dog and gives them the opportunity to safely exercise, explore and enjoy the world around them.