This is a topic close to my heart because, for a long time, I struggled with deciding when to walk our reactive dog around the neighbourhood. We all know that walking reactive dogs can sometimes feel like we're just keeping our heads above the water or navigating a minefield, but the right timing can actually make a world of difference.
As a fellow dog owner who's been through the highs and lows of handling a reactive pup, I've learned over the years a few tricks that might help you and your furry friend enjoy more peaceful walks.
Early Morning Walks so that You Can Embrace the Peace
I'm not a natural early riser and my reactive dog is just as slow in the mornings, so this habit was difficult to establish at first. One of the best times to walk your reactive dog is in the very early morning - I'm talking between 4:30 and 6:00 am. When the world is still waking up, there are fewer distractions and triggers around. If you get up for early morning walks, you're getting the benefit of:
- Quiet Streets: There will always be less foot and vehicle traffic during the very early morning, which means that there are fewer chances for our dogs to encounter triggers.
- Calm Environment: Unsurprisingly, when there's less going on in the world, the more serene it feels. An early morning atmosphere can actually help your dog remain calm and focused on the little things around them, rather than the big and scary things like people, other dogs, and vehicles.
- Predictability: Beginning your day with a walk establishes a positive tone for both you and your dog, and it becomes a predictable routine that can help your dog feel safe.
Late Evening Walks are Generally Calmer
As mentioned, I'm not a morning person. So when I started changing up our walk timings, I began with late evening strolls that were between 10:00 and 11:00 pm. As the world is winding down for the day, everything becomes a bit slower and more serene, which makes late evenings a great time for our reactive pups. The benefits of a late evening walk are:
- Less Activity: Your neighbours will likely be at home or in bed and the streets are generally quieter. There may be more cars on the road compared to the early morning walks, but there will always be fewer vehicles during late evening than there are during the day.
- Cooler Temperature: We're coming into some warmer weather at the moment and one of the main benefits of a late evening walk is that it's cooler and more comfortable for our pup.
- Reduced Stress: Again, like mornings, late evenings have an ambience that can be soothing for reactive dogs. We don't want to fill up our dogs' buckets too much, and sometimes a walk during the day can do just that.
Midday Walks can be a Potential Challenge
We have a mixed relationship with midday walks. Working from home has provided many of us the opportunity to walk our dogs during the day, but this can result in a mixed bag of foot traffic. While midday walks seem super convenient, they come with their own set of challenges for reactive dogs. During the day, the world is in full swing, and there are more chances for encounters that could trigger your dog’s reactivity. On the other hand, there's less of a chance that you will run into rambunctious school-aged kids or big groups of people. Something that we noticed with midday walks is that our dog, who was primarily people-reactive, got used to the workers in high-visibility vests and actually seems to enjoy coming across them now. In saying that, the issues with a midday walk are:
- Busy Streets: There's a possibility there is increased foot and vehicle traffic, which can heighten your dog’s anxiety. However, this could work to your benefit for training as well.
- Higher Temperatures: This is a big one for us owning a St. Bernard. Depending on the season, midday heat can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for your pup, so consider avoiding walks when the sun is blazing.
- Unexpected Triggers: With potentially more people out and about, the likelihood of running into other dogs or distractions increases.
Finding the Right Time
Every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Here are some tips to help you find the best time for your reactive pup's walks:
- Observe Your Dog: Pay attention to when your dog seems most relaxed and comfortable.
- Experiment with Times: Try walking at different times of the day to see when your dog is least reactive.
- Adjust Based on Seasons: Consider the weather and adjust your walking schedule accordingly to avoid extreme temperatures.
For us, early mornings and sometimes midday walks during the work week have proven to be the sweet spot, but it took some trial and error to figure that out. It’s all about finding what works best for your pup.
Our Tips for a Successful Walk
Regardless of when you choose to walk your reactive pup, here are some general tips to make the experience much more smoother:
- Use a Harness: Read about some of our Favourite Harnesses that are available in the UK. You need to ensure that your dog has a well-fitted harness, which gives you better control and is more comfortable for your dog.
- Bring High-Value Treats: We're all about positive reinforcement, so take high-value treats to help you manage any reactive episodes by rewarding calm behaviour.
- Stay Calm: As we've mentioned before, your dog picks up on your energy. Stay cool, calm and collected, even if things get a bit chaotic (it happens to the best of us).
- Avoid Crowded Areas: While some trainers believe flooding is effective, we think you should opt for quieter routes where you're less likely to encounter triggers nearby.
- Be Prepared: Overall, it's important to carry essentials so that you can manage any and all scenarios - poo bags, mobile, water, etc.
I always bring hot dogs for our dog, as it's one of her favourite treats. It's something that she is used to and largely expects now, as she knows they're around when she displays positive behaviour.
Embracing the Walking Journey
As the old saying goes, walking a reactive dog is a journey, not a destination (I think that's the quote, right?!). It takes patience, consistency, and a lot of trial and error, but with the right timing and a few different strategies, you can turn your walks into a positive experience for both you and your pup.
Whether you’re an early riser who enjoys the start of the day, or a bit of a night owl, finding the best time to walk your reactive dog is all about what works for both of you.
Our Final Thoughts
In the end, the best time to walk your reactive dog is the time that minimises stress and maximises enjoyment for both of you. You need to make an effort to observe your dog's behaviour, experiment with different times, and incorporate some practical techniques to build your confidence in walking your dog.
