What I learned from not walking my dog every day

The pressure of the "Daily Walk" rule

For years, I believed that a “good dog owner” walked their dog every single day, multiple times a day, no matter what. Rain, cold, fatigue—no excuses. I was dedicated, but also exhausted. And worse, I felt guilty on the rare days I couldn’t make it happen.

It turns out, I wasn’t alone.

According to Dr. Marc Bekoff, canine ethologist and author of Canine Confidential, “Daily walks are only one of many ways to meet your dog’s needs. Some dogs may benefit more from enrichment or social bonding on certain days than from structured exercise.”

That really made me stop and think. So I asked myself a few questions:

• Do my dogs seem restless or bored without a walk?

• Am I walking them for them, or just because I feel like I “should”?

• Could there be other ways to meet their needs?

And that’s when the learning really began.

Dogs needs enrichment, not just exercise

Dogs are incredibly adaptable creatures. What they crave, more than just burning calories, is stimulation. And it doesn’t always come from pounding the pavement.

Dr. Karen Overall, veterinary behaviourist, explains "Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Dogs that are allowed to use their brains—sniffing, problem-solving, choosing—are often more content than dogs who just jog beside you for an hour.”

That hit home for me.

So on days when we didn’t go for a walk, I tried something different:

• I scattered their food across the backyard for a “find-it” game.

• I created a cardboard box maze with treats inside.

• We practiced a few old tricks or learned new ones indoors.

• Sometimes, we just sat on the porch together and people-watched.

The result? Calm, relaxed dogs. And a little less pressure on me.

The power of rest days

Just like us, dogs need recovery. Over-exercising—especially in growing puppies, older dogs, or breeds with joint concerns—can do more harm than good.

Dr. Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, puts it like this: "Rest days can actually prevent behavioural issues. Over-stimulation, especially in reactive dogs, leads to increased arousal and tension over time. A day to decompress helps dogs reset.”

That was a game-changer for me. On those off days, I noticed fewer leash-reactive moments the next day. My dogs (who can be a bit excitable on walks) seemed calmer, more responsive, and less tightly wound.

What "skipping the walk" can look like

Let me be clear: this isn’t a call to abandon your walking routine. For many dogs, it’s the highlight of their day. But some days, especially when life gets hectic or your dog isn’t feeling 100%, it’s okay to get creative.

Here are alternatives that work wonders:

- Sniff Time (Without the Walk): Scatter treats around the house or yard. Use snuffle mats https://amzn.to/44RhTsJ , scent trails, or even a towel wrapped around treats. Dogs get tired from sniffing—more than you might think!

- Short Backyard Games: Tug-of-war, gentle fetch, or a few agility-style jumps using broomsticks or cushions can burn off energy indoors or in small spaces.

- Puzzle Toys & Food Dispensing Games:  Stuff a Kong https://amzn.to/4f18CBt , use a LickiMat https://amzn.to/3TU6guC , or freeze kibble in a muffin tray with water or broth. It’s enrichment that takes time, focus, and problem-solving.

- Training Time: A few minutes of training can stimulate your dog mentally and strengthen your bond. Try a new trick, practice impulse control, or revisit basics like "stay" and "touch."

- Quiet Time & Bonding: Sometimes your dog just wants to be near you. A brushing session, gentle massage, or a calm cuddle session is underrated but powerful bonding time.