We often think of dog walking as simply a form of physical activity, but for our canine companions, it’s much more than that.

In fact, for dogs, walking can be a matter of emotional well-being—sometimes even survival.

A Lack of Walks = Stress and Anxiety

When dogs don’t get enough walks, they can develop stress and anxiety that manifest through destructive behaviors.

Walks are not just about movement—they’re about light, socialization, and exploration. Without daily exposure to the sun and natural scents, serotonin (a “happiness hormone”) synthesis can decrease, leading to health problems and even seasonal depression-like symptoms.

You may notice your dog becoming lethargic, uninterested in things they normally enjoy, or showing changes in sleep and appetite.

⏱ What’s the Right Amount of Walking?

Weekend marathons or short daily walks?

The answer is clear: frequency beats duration. Even short daily walks are far more effective than occasional long ones. Dogs thrive on routine and engagement.

Historically, dogs had jobs: guarding, hunting, carrying loads, or tracking food. In modern times, they’ve lost these roles, and the excess mental and physical energy builds up—causing behavioral issues.

Smells Are Everything to a Dog

Dogs experience the world through their nose. Their sense of smell is up to 100 million times stronger than ours.

Every walk is a mental stimulation session, where they decode chemical messages left in urine, feces, and scent glands.

To a dog, sniffing around is like checking social media—sniffing posts, leaving comments, and discovering news.

Rain? Wind? These change the scent landscape, making every walk fresh and exciting.

While sniffing toys and home-based scent games are great, nothing replaces the power of outdoor walks with ever-changing smells.

Not All Dogs Want to Say Hello

One thing I wish would change in our culture is how people treat dog interactions during walks. When we see another dog, we often say, “Go say hi! Make a friend!” But guess what? Not every dog wants to be friends—especially not instantly.

Some dogs try to hide, lick their lips, look away, or ask to be picked up. These are signs of discomfort. Yet many owners ignore this and drag their dogs toward others.

From the dog’s perspective, this feels like betrayal: “I told you I’m scared, but you didn’t listen.”

On the flip side, overly excited dogs can’t approach due to the leash, which leads to frustration. This can result in leash aggression—a form of behavioral tension caused by restraint.

Leash Training Matters

Animals generally dislike being restrained. Without proper leash training during their socialization window (2–4 months old), they may grow up hating it.

Pro Tips:

• Attach a light leash during mealtimes at home.

• Practice walking indoors with the leash for 10–20 minutes daily.

• Teach “leash tension training” — gently tug and reward repeatedly so the dog learns to associate leash pressure with something positive. Over time, they’ll check in with you: “Oh, treat time?”

Say No to Retractable Leashes

Many owners struggle to control their dogs with retractable leashes, and here’s why:

• Safety risk: These leashes can extend up to 8-10 fts. If your dog suddenly bolts at a cat or loud noise, it becomes nearly impossible to regain control.

• Mixed signals: Dogs stop paying attention to leash cues when there’s constant tension.

• Legal issues: In some places, leashes are legally limited to 6 feet or less.

Think of a leash as a telephone line for communication between you and your dog. If that line is always fuzzy (as with retractable), your messages won’t get through.

Daily walks are essential, not optional. They help regulate mood, reduce destructive behaviors, and improve your dog’s physical and mental health. Listen to your dog’s signals, respect their preferences, and walk mindfully.