Prioritising well-being over walks
Contrary to popular belief dogs don’t need to be walked every day, especially for reactive dogs—those who might overreact to stimuli such as other dogs, people, or even certain sounds. For these dogs, daily walks can sometimes do more harm than good.
Understanding Reactivity
Reactive dogs aren’t necessarily aggressive; they just have an intense response to certain triggers. This response could be due to fear, anxiety, frustration, or excitement. While daily walks are typically considered a form of exercise and enrichment, for reactive dogs, they can often turn into stressful, overstimulating experiences.
The Stress of Daily Walks
Imagine starting your day with a walk that leaves you anxious, on edge, and emotionally drained. This is what daily walks can feel like for a reactive dog. Encounters with triggers—whether it's another dog, a bicycle, or a stranger—can cause repeated stress. Over time, this stress accumulates, making your dog more reactive, not less.
Dogs learn through experiences, and repeated exposure to stressful situations can reinforce reactivity rather than diminish it. Instead of "getting used to" the triggers, a reactive dog may become more sensitive, anticipating negative experiences every time they step outside.
Individual needs
For reactive dogs, a one-size-fits-all approach to walking simply doesn’t work. Instead of focusing on a rigid daily walk routine, it’s more beneficial to tailor their exercise and enrichment activities based on their individual needs and comfort levels.
Mental Stimulation: Dogs need mental exercise just as much as physical. Engage your reactive dog in puzzle toys, training sessions, or scent games. These activities can tire them out without exposing them to stressful triggers.
Safe Spaces: If your dog enjoys being outdoors but finds walks stressful, consider alternatives like a safe, enclosed yard where they can explore at their own pace without encountering triggers.
Controlled Socialisation: Gradually introducing your dog to their triggers in a controlled, positive manner can help desensitise them over time. This process, often referred to as desensitisation and counter-conditioning, should be done under the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.
Quality Over Quantity
Instead of focusing on the quantity of walks, concentrate on the quality. Short, positive experiences are more beneficial than long, stressful ones. If your dog can handle a walk once every few days without becoming overly stressed, that’s perfectly fine. It’s better to have fewer walks that your dog enjoys than daily walks that cause anxiety and fear.
Building Trust and Confidence
Skipping daily walks doesn’t mean neglecting your dog’s needs. By providing them with a safe, calm environment and engaging them in activities they enjoy, you’re building their confidence and trust in you. This foundation is crucial for helping a reactive dog eventually overcome their fears.
Conclusion
Reactive dogs require a thoughtful, individualized approach to their care. Daily walks might be standard advice for most dogs, but for those who find the world overwhelming, it's okay to prioritise their mental well-being over a daily routine. By offering alternative forms of enrichment and exercise, and by respecting their need for a less stressful environment, you’re helping them live a happier, more balanced life.