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Why is taking your dog for walks important for their wellbeing?
Walks are a fundamental need for a dog’s happiness —just 15-20 minutes of sniffing and strolling can lower stress and improve sleep.
If you think your dog’s walk is just about going pee and coming home, think again. For them, a walk is the highlight of their day—their gym session, their newsfeed, and their therapy all rolled into one.
Research shows that just 15–30 minutes of sniffing and strolling can lower stress levels and improve sleep. For city dogs in Singapore who spend all day in an apartment, it’s more than a routine—it’s a fundamental need for happiness.
What a Good Walk Feels Like (From Your Dog’s POV)
Imagine if your dog could talk. On a rushed walk, they’d probably grumble:
“Eh why so fast one? I just come out, you already pull me back. I never even sniff the lamppost leh!”
But on a proper walk—the kind where they get to stop, sniff, and wander a little—you’d hear a much happier voice:
“Wah shiok, today I sniff every tree, know which dog pass by, and even where the cats hide. Good walk sia!”
The difference? It’s not distance. It’s freedom.
Good Walk vs Bad Walk
A bad walk is the five-minute dash: dog rushes out, pees, gets tugged home. They come back restless, still wired with energy. That’s when the slippers get chewed, or the barking starts.
A good walk? It’s when you let them slow down, explore smells, and take their time. They come home calmer, wagging, ready to flop into a nap. You’ll see it in their body language: loose, happy, satisfied.
Think of it as the difference between scrolling TikTok for 2 minutes vs really catching up with a friend over kopi. One feels rushed, the other actually fills you up.
Why Sniffing Matters So Much
To us, a tree is just a tree. To your dog, it’s like a community notice board: who passed by, what they ate, whether they’re friendly. Sniffing is how dogs collect information and relax their nervous system.
Letting them sniff:
Reduces stress (lower cortisol levels).
Builds confidence in nervous dogs (in the right low-stress settings).
Tires them out mentally—a short sniffari can be more effective than a long jog.
So don’t think of sniffing as wasting time. It is the walk.
Make Walks More Fun
If you’re always taking the same path, try adding variety:
Sniffari stops: pause for 2–3 minutes at one tree or grass patch, just let them work their nose. However, keep a look out that your dog doesn’t pick up anything off the ground and try to eat it.
Mini training breaks: practice “sit” or “wait” mid-walk with treats. Dogs love a job to do.
Scavenger hunts: toss a few kibbles into the grass and encourage “find it!”
New routes: even a small detour adds new smells and keeps walks exciting.
These little changes make walks feel like adventures—even if it’s just around your HDB block or neighbourhood.
Need more help with training?
Struggling with barking, biting, or other behavior challenges? Get expert guidance tailored to your pup’s needs in a 60-minute private consult with our behaviourists!
✅ Personalized training advice
✅ Actionable tips you can start using right away
✅ Gentle, effective methods for a happier, well-behaved pup
book training consult
Final Thought
Walking your dog isn’t a chore—it’s their daily joy, their therapy, their way of reading the world. When you slow down, let them sniff, and give them space, you’re not just meeting a physical need. You’re giving them happiness.
So next time the leash comes out, remember: don’t rush. To your pup, every sniff is a story. And those stories are what make their world complete. 🐾
🐶
🐱
Why is taking your dog for walks important for their wellbeing?
Walks are a fundamental need for a dog’s happiness —just 15-20 minutes of sniffing and strolling can lower stress and improve sleep.
If you think your dog’s walk is just about going pee and coming home, think again. For them, a walk is the highlight of their day—their gym session, their newsfeed, and their therapy all rolled into one.
Research shows that just 15–30 minutes of sniffing and strolling can lower stress levels and improve sleep. For city dogs in Singapore who spend all day in an apartment, it’s more than a routine—it’s a fundamental need for happiness.
What a Good Walk Feels Like (From Your Dog’s POV)
Imagine if your dog could talk. On a rushed walk, they’d probably grumble:
“Eh why so fast one? I just come out, you already pull me back. I never even sniff the lamppost leh!”
But on a proper walk—the kind where they get to stop, sniff, and wander a little—you’d hear a much happier voice:
“Wah shiok, today I sniff every tree, know which dog pass by, and even where the cats hide. Good walk sia!”
The difference? It’s not distance. It’s freedom.
Good Walk vs Bad Walk
A bad walk is the five-minute dash: dog rushes out, pees, gets tugged home. They come back restless, still wired with energy. That’s when the slippers get chewed, or the barking starts.
A good walk? It’s when you let them slow down, explore smells, and take their time. They come home calmer, wagging, ready to flop into a nap. You’ll see it in their body language: loose, happy, satisfied.
Think of it as the difference between scrolling TikTok for 2 minutes vs really catching up with a friend over kopi. One feels rushed, the other actually fills you up.
Why Sniffing Matters So Much
To us, a tree is just a tree. To your dog, it’s like a community notice board: who passed by, what they ate, whether they’re friendly. Sniffing is how dogs collect information and relax their nervous system.
Letting them sniff:
Reduces stress (lower cortisol levels).
Builds confidence in nervous dogs (in the right low-stress settings).
Tires them out mentally—a short sniffari can be more effective than a long jog.
So don’t think of sniffing as wasting time. It is the walk.
Make Walks More Fun
If you’re always taking the same path, try adding variety:
Sniffari stops: pause for 2–3 minutes at one tree or grass patch, just let them work their nose. However, keep a look out that your dog doesn’t pick up anything off the ground and try to eat it.
Mini training breaks: practice “sit” or “wait” mid-walk with treats. Dogs love a job to do.
Scavenger hunts: toss a few kibbles into the grass and encourage “find it!”
New routes: even a small detour adds new smells and keeps walks exciting.
These little changes make walks feel like adventures—even if it’s just around your HDB block or neighbourhood.
Need more help with training?
Struggling with barking, biting, or other behavior challenges? Get expert guidance tailored to your pup’s needs in a 60-minute private consult with our behaviourists!
✅ Personalized training advice
✅ Actionable tips you can start using right away
✅ Gentle, effective methods for a happier, well-behaved pup
book training consult
Final Thought
Walking your dog isn’t a chore—it’s their daily joy, their therapy, their way of reading the world. When you slow down, let them sniff, and give them space, you’re not just meeting a physical need. You’re giving them happiness.
So next time the leash comes out, remember: don’t rush. To your pup, every sniff is a story. And those stories are what make their world complete. 🐾
Hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 6pm
Hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 6pm