How to make the most of your dog walks
At Ollie’s Adventure Walks, we’ve learned that a good dog walk is about more than just exercise.
Whether you’re strolling the streets of Hastings or exploring East Sussex countryside, the best walks give dogs time to sniff, explore, and relax. Here are simple tips to make every outing more enjoyable for your four-legged friend.
Why start a dog walk calmly?
Dogs that rush out of the door often spend the first part of the walk pulling, barking, or getting over-excited. Starting calm sets the tone. Take a few minutes to put on the lead or harness slowly, or try a short sniffing game in the hallway before heading out. This helps your dog shift into “explorer mode” rather than “zoom mode.”
Should dog walks always have a set route?
No - dogs don’t walk for distance, they walk for discovery. A 20-minute wander with plenty of sniffing often leaves them more satisfied than marching through a set loop. Forget the A-to-B approach and let your dog stop, sniff, and explore. It reduces pulling and makes the walk feel more enriching.
Why is variety important for adult dogs?
Changing your routes - woodland, meadows, or even streets - gives your dog fresh smells and new experiences. Dogs can find street walks as enriching as countryside hikes if they’re allowed to stop and investigate shopfronts, gateways, or hedges. Variety keeps walks stimulating and avoids boredom.
How fast should I walk my dog?
Every dog has its own pace. Puppies, older dogs, or nervous types might need short, gentle strolls, while energetic breeds thrive on woodland scrambles and cliff paths. Try matching the pace to your dog: for a 20-minute walk, give them 10 minutes out at their tempo, then 10 minutes back.
Should dog walks focus on obedience?
Walks should be enrichment first, obedience second. Dogs benefit most when they’re allowed to stop, sniff, and observe, rather than being kept strictly at heel. Think of every lamppost, hedge, or bird as part of their “daily newspaper.” Allowing them to investigate safely keeps them calmer and happier at home.
Why proper walks matter for behaviour
Dogs who get to explore, sniff, and use their brains on walks often come home calmer, more relaxed, and less likely to act out of boredom. Whether your dog is a high-energy adventurer or a gentle stroller, the right walk makes all the difference to their wellbeing.
FAQs
How long should I walk my adult dog?
Most dogs benefit from at least one hour a day, but it depends on age, breed, and energy levels. The key is enrichment, not just distance.
Is a street walk enough for my dog?
Yes - if you allow sniffing, watching, and exploring. A slow, enriching street walk can be more tiring than a fast park run.
Do you offer dog walking in Hastings and East Sussex?
Yes - Ollie’s Adventure Walks runs adventure dog walks across Hastings, Battle, Fairlight, and surrounding East Sussex countryside.