Using Nature To Reset Your Dog’s Brain
The most challenging part of urban dog ownership is finding space and time to let them be dogs. City streets, postage stamp yards, apartment buildings, and busy lives can put nature on the back burner. However, when a dog is young, energetic, frustrated, or seems to be taking a turn for the worst out of nowhere (ie- no longer wanting to train or seeming randomly out of control) it is often a sign that some Mother Nature is well overdue. This is called “decompression” and allows your dog’s mind to be put to ease through natural de-stressing
Walk trails, after hours parks, weekend day trips, or even cemeteries that encourage canine visitors such as The Woodlands in West Philly are all fantastic options, but you can be creative by finding Sniffspots for rent, open lots where buildings have yet to be build, empty parking lots, neighbor’s larger yards, or the corners of sport yards where you can secret away some nature. (My favorite local spot is a train station with lots of groundhog holes!) The type of back-to-nature walks are often now called “Sniffari” walks because they are dog-led, sniff focused, and take no specific path. It is simply time for you to take the back seat and allow your pet to get out all the natural instinct and pent up energy they have held on to.
They may dig, sniff every blade of grass, pee on each tree, chase a bird, stare at squirrels, or just run from one thing to the next. It is up to them! The only rules I like to let people know they can add is -
1. if you want to discourage hard pulling, you can do so
2. if your dog lacks engagement in general you can offer a very very high value treat when they offer engagement
Not much more. It is their time after all!
The best gear for this type of walk is an H-shaped harness with a back clip and a long line of at least 15 feet both of which will allow a free range of motion while still allowing you to “reel in” your dog if need be. In all weather your dog will need both water, in either a travel bowl or an all-in-one water bottle, and insect repellent on top of their monthly preventative. For hiking it is also best to carry a first aid kit with a tick key on your person, and always have one in your car and at home. In the heat a cooling vest can be a life saver, and in the cold a warm coat and paw protection wax are just as important!
If you are wondering where you will find the time, plan ahead with both nearby and more time intensive options at hand. Think of it like your dog’s nail trims, baths, and other occasional care. They take time set aside but once you fall into a routine they are not too hard to plan around and make a priority! Even 20 minutes replaced from your dog’s weekly exercise is a fantastic start that will be of great mental benefit.
