Walks are a very important part of every dog’s physical and mental health. Dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages benefit from getting out of the house and enjoying new sights – and most importantly – new smells. But much like our morning commutes, taking the same route can begin to diminish the luster of the coveted “walk time.”

Luckily, there are so many ways to keep your dog interested and eager for his walk – whether it’s daily or just every once in a while. Varying your routine in some shape or form can be extremely beneficial for your dog’s mental health and overall happiness.

Walk at a different time of day
Thanks to rigid work schedules and the everyday pressures of family life, we often find ourselves falling into repeatable patterns. It makes sense – we can sort of go on autopilot and carve out time for things like walking our dog. However, if you always walk at 6 pm the chances are that you are likely seeing the same faces and spaces. Consider switching up your dog’s walk to the morning or afternoon – you don’t even need to change the distance or route, simply the change of time is enough to stimulate your dog and increase his excitement for the walk.

Choose the path less taken
Instead of walking around the block for the millionth time, consider taking a new route on your walk. This can be as simple as walking in the opposite direction around the block or braving an all-new walking trail in your area. Either way, this stimulates a sense of something “new” in your dog that engages their brain.

If possible, definitely try walking a new path. This will allow your dog to use his most acute sense, his smell. A new area means new smells which means a very happy dog. Dogs communicate with the world through the nose, smelling where other dogs and animals have been allowing them to pick up on important information – almost like social media for dogs!

Bring a friend
Whether they have two legs or four, bringing someone new on your walk is a very simple way to change it up from the ordinary. See if a friend wants to tag, and maybe they have a dog that can join you as well. Do you have two dogs and walk them separately? If it makes sense, take both out together! Of course, never risk your safety or your dog’s – use your best judgment when bringing along another companion.