I often have to rush my dog walks for various reasons. I needed to walk my dog before I went to work, I needed to squeeze in a walk before my appointment. I needed to exercise my dog before doing the school run etc.
But sometimes its wonderful to slow things down…..
Yesterday I walked on a new trail in the forest with my dog. He went into a sniffing fest: every bush, every blade of grass, every tree trunk had to be investigated. When I am rushed, I would normally call him along to continue the walk, but this time I let him take the lead.
I started to walk in sync with him, stopping and watching him whilst he sniffed, pondering my day as I waited for him. Listening to the forest whilst I dreamt of future plans, noticing the little Robin that had followed us around the forest. Observing his body movements and thinking what a gorgeous dog he is
Slowing down your dog walks can have benefits for both humans and dogs:
A slow walk changes the human.
- Presence. When you slow down, you start to notice the world the way your dog does. You step out of your head, into the moment. You notice the forest, the smells, the sounds, the old tree you hadn’t seen before…….
- Connection. It’s not about control or frustration, it’s about sharing the same rhythm and space. Being in sync with your dog, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, giving a little glance towards each other as you mooch along.
- Nervous system regulation. Each slow breath, each step, each pause tells your body you’re safe, you’re alive and reminds you that this moment is yours and your dog’s.
A slow walk with your dog isn’t lost time. It’s time that gives something back.
🐾 What has your dog taught you about slowing down?
To follow up or make an appointment or find out more information about Ringwood Dogs, Ashley Heath on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border, please contact Isabelle Adams-Papé by clicking on the Contact Me tab.
I look forward to meeting you and working with your dogs.
Teaching Owners – Training Dogs. Happy dog training.
Isabelle Papé IMDT, ISAP, KAD
Ringwood Dogs, Three Legged Cross on the Dorset, Hampshire and New Forest border.
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