Pets · 20 min
The slow walk, nose first
A walk where the dog sets the pace and sniffs as much as they like, and you get twenty quiet minutes too.
Dog walks often become a chore to get done quickly between other things. A slow, sniffing walk, where the point is exploring rather than distance, is good for the dog and surprisingly restful for the person on the other end of the lead.
The steps
Four small steps,in your own time.
Once or twice a week, choose a walk with nowhere to be. A longer lead helps, if your dog is safe on one.
Let the dog stop and sniff for as long as they like. Do not hurry them on.
While you wait, notice your own surroundings: the sky, the sounds, the smell of the air.
Finish somewhere you can sit for a minute or two before you head home.
The reason
Why it helps
For a dog, sniffing is a large part of how they take in the world, and many find a slow, sniffy walk as satisfying as a long run. For the person, a walk without hurry is a chance to slow down and be outside. It turns a job into a small, shared pleasure.
A gentle variation
If your dog is old or stiff, keep it short and flat, and let them lead even more. If you have a cat or a small animal, ten minutes of slow, quiet play with a toy they love is a good equivalent.
WE · TRIBE
Try itwith someone.
Invite a friend or neighbour, with or without a dog of their own, to come along. Or if you care for someone who loved dogs, take your dog to visit them, if that is allowed where they live; many people find a calm animal a great comfort.
Try it today
This week, take your dog on one walk where they set the pace and sniff for as long as they like.
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